“False is the complaint which the human race makes about its nature, namely, that it is weak and of short duration and ruled by chance rather than by prowess.”
Sallust (Jug. 1)
An understanding Roman history is essential for anyone wanting to grasp the dynamics of power. Many believe Roman history is too complex and inaccessible without years of study, but this is a misconception. These classes will prove it.
In these classes, we’ll be doing a detailed reading of Sallust’s Jugurthine War. Although led by me, the goal is for these classes to be dynamic discussions. By discussing this work together, we’ll be able draw out more valuable meanings which are relevant and relatable to our own lives. We do not live in a theory. We live in the real world and every piece of learning we do should enhance the way we live and act in our real lives. These classes aim to do exactly that.
Do not worry, you do not need any prior knowledge of Roman history! We’ll start from the basics and guide you through everything. As long as you are capable of reading 10-20 pages a week, you’ll be well equipped.
“Rome is a city for sale and soon to perish, if it finds a buyer.” – Jugurtha, King of Numidia
Sallust (Jug. 35)
Who was Sallust?
Gaius Sallustius Crispus (86–35 BCE) was a Roman historian and politician of the late Republic. Born into an equestrian family in Amiternum, he rose to prominence as a tribune of the plebs in 52 BCE, aligning himself with Julius Caesar. His political career was marred by controversy, including accusations of corruption during his governorship of Africa Nova, but he ultimately retired to focus on writing history. This makes him not just a recorder of history, but someone who actively shaped it. He was an active player in the political drama of Rome’s elite during its decline, making him well-qualified to guide us through the epoch.
“Although the plebs had access to the other magistracies, the nobles passed the consulate form hand to hand within their own order”
Sallust (Jug. 63)
Why the Jugurthine War?
The Jugurthine War was a conflict between the Roman Republic and the North African king, Jugurtha. Taking place more than 50 years before the Republic’s collapse, Sallust uses this war to expose the roots of Rome’s decline. Even at this early stage, the cracks were already visible. Today, we too are witnessing a world in imperial decline. By heeding Sallust’s warnings, we might better avoid Rome’s fate.
For those of us in Cape Town, this history is especially relevant. Jugurtha’s defiance against imperial Rome mirrors South Africa’s own struggle against a dominant, colonial West. Is seeking favour and riches from these powers really worth it? Will a fight against them be any more worthwhile?
The Politics of a Collapsing Republic
In the Jugurthine War, Sallust exposes how personal ambition and greed hollow out Rome’s institutions, turning politics into a battleground for self-interest rather than collective good. As power became concentrated into fewer hands, the structures of the free Republic began to decay making it vulnerable to tyranny. These same forces are at play today. By analysing how Rome fell into this crisis, we might be able to better recognise these warning signs in our own communities and act accordingly.
The Language and Ideology of a Corrupted Nobility
Sallust reveals how the corruption of Rome’s nobility is reflected in the very language they use. Words that once carried deep moral weight like virtus (virtue, excellence) and res publica (lit. the public good) begin to lose their meaning and are repurposed to justify greed and ambition. Virtus, once tied to bravery and the service of others, becomes a hollow term used by the elite to mask their pursuit of personal power. Nobles stand in the senate preaching the ideals of the Republic, while they plunder at for private gain. Sallust exposes this linguistic decay as a symptom of Rome’s deeper political sickness—when language no longer reflects truth, corruption is not just present but hidden from view. Is our own language immune to such devolution, or is it also hiding the crimes of our elites?
The Tactics and Strategy of an Empire at War
Sallust also provides a sharp analysis of the tactics and strategy that defined Rome’s approach to warfare during its imperial expansion. The Republic, despite its internal corruption, remained a formidable military machine, balancing brute force with diplomacy, deception, and political manoeuvring. Jugurtha, understanding Rome’s vulnerabilities, relied on guerrilla warfare, bribes, and shifting alliances to resist the empire’s overwhelming might. Rome, in turn, struggled against an enemy who refused to meet them in open battle, exposing the limits of traditional legionary warfare against an adaptive and resourceful opponent. Sallust’s account not only captures the battlefield tactics but also the broader strategic realities of imperial warfare, where military success was often inseparable from political intrigue, bribery, and the management of both allies and enemies. In today’s world, the realm of business is often described in military terms… Perhaps these tactics and strategies could be of use there?
Via Ciceronis 