Perspective

Sallust had been an important figure in Roman life. He had been one of the leaders of the tribune of the people and showed great support for Caesar. In return, Caesar handed him the position of Governor of Africa Nova. Eventually Sallust retired from public life to concentrate on his writing.

It is interesting that at the beginning of the Conspiracy of Catiline, Sallust states that as a young man in the army, he took bribes and was very interested in power. Both the Jurgurthine War and the Conspiracy of Catiline detail the corruption of Roman society of that time and particularly with the military and nobility.

However not only did Sallust experience, and even partake in the corruption, as a plebeian and member of the tribune of the people, he had a dislike of nobility. He shows this bias in both sections, presenting the nobility as decadent...