Source edition
Sallust. C. Sallusti Crispi Catilina, Iugurtha, orationes et epistulae excerptae de historiis. Ahlberg, Axel Wilhelm, editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1919.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This historical work by Sallust chronicles the dramatic events of the Catilinian conspiracy that shook the late Roman Republic in the 1st century BC. The author begins by reflecting on his transition from corrupt politics to writing history, setting the stage by analyzing the dark, extraordinary character of Catiline against the backdrop of Rome's moral decline. The narrative follows Catiline as he rallies debt-ridden nobles and disaffected youths to orchestrate a coup, while the consul Cicero works tirelessly to expose the plot. After the conspirators in Rome are arrested, the focus shifts to a famous debate in the Senate, where Julius Caesar argues for clemency and Cato the Younger demands immediate execution, reflecting deep political divisions. Ultimately, the city conspirators are executed, and Catiline, trapped with his rebel army, dies fighting bravely in a final desperate battle. Through this detailed account, the work vividly portrays the loss of civic virtue and the profound political instability of the late Republic.