Roman Republican Historians

This course offers an introduction to Sallust (Gaius Sallustius Cripsus, 86 - c. 35 BCE), the earliest historian writing in Latin whose works still survive. We will read his account of the Romans' hard-fought war against the Numidian king Jugurtha in the late second century BCE. We will also look at other ancient authors and material evidence for the Romans' role in North Africa at a vital period of imperial expansion, political tensions at home, and societal questioning of political corruption. Readings will examine historical, rhetorical, and literary themes.