The Jugurthine War Study Guide & Notes

The Jugurthine War Plot Summary

Preview of The Jugurthine War Summary:

Sallust's book documents two important historical events in the Roman Empire, the Jurgatine War and the Conspiracy of Catiline. They occur at a time the Romans had acquired great comfort in their lives. Sallust describes this comfort as having a detrimental effect on Roman society with money more important than glory. In such an environment, the libertine, Lucius Catiline, rises to great prominence and almost causes the downfall of the Roman government. The African King, Jugurtha, takes advantage of corrupt Roman officials to rise, virtually unimpeded, to the position of King of the Roman province of Numidia.

In the first part of the book, Sallust details the Conspiracy of Catiline. Sallust tells the reader how the dictator Lucius Sylla has created an environment where the Romans hold material wealth more important than honor and virtue. Within this environment, the violent Catiline garners the support of the youth, the poor and...
(read more)