How did Sallust analyze historical events?
I approached history with a critical and moralistic eye, believing that understanding the character of men and the motivations behind their actions was paramount. I meticulously examined specific events, such as the Catiline Conspiracy and the Jugurthine War, to expose the vices of greed, ambition, and corruption that I saw festering within the Roman state. My method involved dissecting the causes and effects of these actions, often highlighting the contrast between the virtuous past and the decadent present, to offer a stark warning and a form of moral instruction.