successful prosecution, this incident contributed to a year of political turmoil that
would prove to be a major theme in his literary work.
After being expelled from the
senate by Marcus Appius Pulcher,
the ‘censor’ in charge of public
morality, for alleged immorality
in 50BC, Sallust sought help from
Gaius Julius Caesar who
reinstated him the following year.
As a result of this he was
appointed as a commander of a
legion in the Roman Civil War
between Caesar and Pompey
between 49-45BC, where he
made a largely unsuccessful impact in quelling mutinous troops in 47BC and
fighting in Caesar’s African campaign. Despite a lack of obvious success Sallust
was appointed as the first governor of the new territory of Africa Nova (modern
day Algeria), a role he would keep until late 45BC.
Disaster awaited him upon his return to Rome as claims were made that he had
personally profited from his time as governor of Africa Novo through extortion
and it required the personal intervention of Caesar to prevent any form of legal
action against him. This new wealth was the source of funding for the lavish ‘horti
Sallustiani’ (Sallustian gardens) in northwestern Rome that would eventually
become imperial property. Sallust retired shortly after his return to the capital; he
later claimed that this was a personal choice but it has also been suggested that
he was forced into this position by losing the support of Caesar or possibly due
to the latter’s assassination in 44BC.
8
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker