Ink and a feather (AND PAPER)
Sallust was a pagan, like all of his contemporaries. There is no record of him being a member of any cult of any particular god.
Julius Caesar and sallust
Gaius Sallustius Crispus, commonly known as "Sallust", was a Roman politician and historian. He was born in 86 B.C.E. (before the common era) into a wealthy family of the business class. In the early part of his career he studied politics. When he was in his thirties, he served in different positions in Rome, until his political enemies forced him from the senate. However, Julius Caesar reinstated him and because of this Sallust became a big supporter of Caesar.Sallust's political career greatly benefited from the expansion of the empire. In 46 B.C.E. he became governor of the province of Africa. But while he served there he accumulated a very large fortune and was accused of collecting his wealth by force. So he had to return to Rome and face charges for his crime, but with Caesar's help he was never convicted. Still, the scandal was serious enough for Sallust to retire from politics.Sallust then turned to writing and became a noted historian. In his writings he used different methods to narrate various historical events. Sallust's writing style greatly influenced other Roman historians but unfortunately most of his writings have been lost. In his writings Sallust pad tribute to Rome's military achievements but later on in his life he regretted that expansion had helped cause greed in the aristocracy, which had brought corruption to the country. Sallust died in 35 B.C.E.
Karl Hamann has written: 'Bruchstuecke einer Sallust-Handschrift in der Dombibliothek zu Trier'
Sallust observes a change in Roman society during the late Republic, particularly marked by the decline of traditional values and the rise of corruption. He attributes this transformation to factors such as the increasing influence of wealth, the moral decay of public life, and the ambition of individuals seeking power through unethical means. This shift is seen as detrimental to the Republic, leading to civil strife and the eventual downfall of civic virtue. Ultimately, Sallust's analysis underscores the tension between historical events and moral decline in Rome.
Bruce D. MacQueen has written: 'Plato's Republic in the Monographs of Sallust' -- subject(s): Criticism and interpretation
Epicurus was a Greek philosopher, well before Rome had risen to power
Cornelius Nepos Sallust Strabo Diodorus Siculus Titus Livius or Livy Velleius Paterculus Tacitus Plutarch Suetonius Dio Cassius
Sallust's account highlights the moral decay and corruption that plagued Roman society, illustrating how greed, ambition, and factionalism undermined the republican ideals of virtue and civic responsibility. Through his portrayal of figures like Catiline and the political turmoil of the time, he emphasizes the erosion of traditional values and the rise of self-interest among the ruling class. This shift ultimately led to the collapse of the republic, as the institutions designed to uphold order and justice became tools for personal gain and power struggles. Sallust's narrative serves as both a reflection on the past and a cautionary tale about the fragility of republican governance.
Thomas Francis Scanlon has written: 'The influence of Thucydides on Sallust' -- subject(s): Ancient History, Greek influences, Historiography, Influence, Latin literature
G. M. Paul has written: 'A historical commentary on Sallust's Bellum Jugurthinum' -- subject(s): Historiography, Jugurthine War, 111-105 B.C
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, is often attributed with the quote "we are the masters of our own destiny." This phrase emphasizes the idea that individuals have control over their own futures and the power to make choices that shape their lives.