Analysis Of Catiline's War, The Jugurthine War

The book titled Catiline’s War, The Jugurthine War, Histories was originally written in Latin by Gaius Sallustius Crispus. This translated piece of literature is unique because it is written in the perspective of someone during this particular time in history and, also, because it is separated into three topical parts or sections. The first part of the book is dedicated to the notes, history, and events leading up to the wars. Sallust’s second part is about Catiline’s War, thus, leaving the third section to the Jugurthine War. All three parts combine to create a piece of historical documentation that describes the everyday environment or lifestyle in the Roman Empire. Throughout these sections it is easy to understand that there is a common theme, that greed for power and wealth would lead to corruption.
In the beginning of Catiline’s War, Sallust describes how Lucius Catiline drastically changed the mindset of the Roman people. The reader understands the biased view as Sallust describes the characteristics of Catiline. It is easy to interpret that Sallust is

Jugurtha, the main character, had started to take over and build a powerful army after the death of his brother, Micipsa. This scared Jugurtha’s brother, Adherbal, because he knew he was his brother’s next target. Looking for help, Adherbal sent some of his men to Rome to ask for assistance. Knowing that Adherbal would ask Rome for help, Jugurtha decided he would get to the members of the Roman Senate first. Jugurtha decided he was going to bribe Rome not to intervene in his situation. The book states that Jugurtha, “sent legates to Rome with a quantity of gold and silver” (Sallust, 2007. pg 59). Along with the bribery, “Jugurtha acquired access to the favour and goodwill of the nobility” (Sallust, 2007. Pg 59). Not only did Rome accept the bribe, but they also allowed and supported the evil doings of