The Role of Character within the Monographs of Sallust

Abstract

The issue of character and its relevance to history dominates the monographs of Gaius Sallustius Crispus, the Bellum Catilinae and the Bellum Iugurthinum. Sallust's narration and examination of the conspiracy of Catiline (63 B.C.) and the Iugurthine war (112 - 104 B.C.) focuses on history as the product of men and their actions, and accordingly places the importance of these events with character. The war, an external event, and the conspiracy, an internal event, provide him with the opportunity to ponder the impact of character upon historical events and demonstrate how the outcomes are influenced by individuals. The Roman ideal of masculine excellence, virtus, is held up by Sallust as the desired moral achievement necessary for a successfully functioning and moral society. Sallust's linking of historiography with morality highlights the concept of history and the duties of an historian in his interpretation of historical events. The historian's methods and style are indicative as well of both innovation and conformity in his approach towards his historiographical task. This thesis intends to explore the issues raised by the monographs in regard to character and historiography by a thorough examination of all individuals and groups within the two works. The division of this thesis into two parts demonstrates Sallust's own method of characterization. Sallust utilizes the major individuals to convey his moral themes with the treatment of minor individuals and groups, both Roman and barbarian lending support and depth.