Lucius Catiline

Catiline is a politician and the force behind the Catiline conspiracy. Sallust explains Catiline was born into a powerful family, but quickly developed a penchant for violence and oppression. For example, Sallust claims Catiline starved his contingency. However, Sallust claims he came to prominence because Roman society at that time was corrupt and many powerful individual were taking bribes.

Once Catiline gains enough power, he immediately entices the younger generation, poor people and criminals to join his side, presenting himself as a libertine. In accordance, he gives them wealth, power, women, immunity and a promise of a future free of debt. Particularly important is his promise of freeing society of its debt. At that time, with consumerism replacing what Sallust suggests were honorable values, many people were in debt to the Roman government, including neighboring countries such as Gaul.

Catiline builds up enough support to run for...