Catiline’s War

monograph by Sallust

Also known as: “Bellum Catilinae”

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June 24, 2026

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Catiline's War is a monograph by the Roman historian Sallust, written around 43–42 BC. It details the conspiracy of Catiline, an ambitious aristocrat who attempted to overthrow the Roman Republic in 63 BC. Catiline's support came from various discontented groups, including dispossessed citizens, veterans, and debtors. The conspiracy was exposed by Cicero, then consul, who denounced Catiline. Catiline fled Rome and was eventually killed in battle. The work highlights themes of corruption, political rivalry, and the disintegration of the republic. Publius Cornelius Lentulus was a key figure in the conspiracy and was executed along with other conspirators.123

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Sallust
…monograph, Bellum Catilinae (43–42 bc; Catiline’s War), deals with corruption in Roman politics by tracing the conspiracy of Catiline, a ruthlessly ambitious patrician who had attempted to seize power in 63 bc after the suspicions of his fellow nobles and the growing mistrust of the people prevented him from attaining…
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…monograph, Bellum Catilinae (43–42 bc; Catiline’s War), deals with corruption in Roman politics by tracing the conspiracy of Catiline, a ruthlessly ambitious patrician who had attempted to seize power in 63 bc after the suspicions of his fellow nobles and the growing mistrust of the people prevented him from attaining…
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Latin literature
History
In his extant monographs Bellum Catilinae and Bellum Jugurthinum, he displays a sardonic moralism, using history to emphasize the decadence of the dominant caste. The revolution in style he inaugurated gives him importance.
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In his extant monographs Bellum Catilinae and Bellum Jugurthinum, he displays a sardonic moralism, using history to emphasize the decadence of the dominant caste. The revolution in style he inaugurated gives him importance.
Read More