How did Sallust use history to criticize the moral decline of Rome’s ruling class?

In his historical monographs, Sallust utilized history as a vehicle to critique the moral decay of the Roman ruling class, framing the disintegration of the Republic as a consequence of internal corruption and the arrogance of power.1

Sallust’s approach was rooted in his own political experiences and his status as a "new man," which influenced his cynical view of the traditional elite. He employed history to castigate the present by commemorating the virtues of the past, arguing that the Republic was "rotting inwardly" due to the avarice and exclusiveness of the "powerful few" who prioritized personal gain over the common interest.21

Key methods in his critique included:
* Thematic Analysis of Party Strife: Sallust identified the power struggle between the aristocratic Senate and the plebeians as the primary driver of political turmoil and national ruin.2
* Character-Driven Narratives: In works like Catiline’s War and The Jugurthine War, he used specific historical episodes to expose how ambition and financial desperation among the nobility undermined state stability.21
* Moralizing Digressions: He frequently interrupted his narratives with digressions to highlight how the pursuit of wealth and power led to the erosion of civic virtue.2