Fragments of Sallust's ambitious history of Rome from 78 to 67 BC. Only speeches and letters survive — tantalising evidence of a major work now lost.
The death of Sulla and its aftermath: the chaotic Republic he left behind, the revolt of Lepidus, and the outbreak of the Sertorian War in Spain. Sallust began where his monographs left off.
Survives only in scattered fragments and quotations. The most substantial are geographical and ethnographical digressions preserved by later grammarians.
Fragments in Maurenbrecher ed.; preserved by Nonius, Priscian, Arusianus Messius, Servius. Major fragment: Speech of Lepidus (1.55M)
The Sertorian War in Spain continues and Spartacus's slave revolt erupts in Italy — two simultaneous crises that test the Republic to breaking point. Sallust's famous letter of Pompey to the Senate survives from this book.
Fragments only, including the important Letter of Pompey.
Fragments in Maurenbrecher ed.; preserved by Nonius, Priscian, Servius. Major fragment: Letter of Pompey (2.98M); Speech of Philippus (1.77M)
The Lucullus campaigns against Mithridates in the east and the suppression of Spartacus by Crassus. The return of Pompey from Spain.
Fragments only.
Fragments in Maurenbrecher ed.; preserved by Nonius, Priscian, Servius. Major fragment: Speech of Macer (3.48M)
Pompey's extraordinary commands against the pirates and Mithridates, and the political convulsions at Rome. Sallust's famous letter of Mithridates survives from this book.
Fragments only, including the rhetorically brilliant Letter of Mithridates.
Fragments in Maurenbrecher ed.; preserved by Nonius, Priscian, Arusianus, Servius
The final book, probably covering events down to 67 BC. The Historiae was unfinished or its scope is debated — Sallust may have died before completing it.
Very few fragments survive. The work may have been left incomplete at Sallust's death.
Fragments in Maurenbrecher ed.; preserved by Nonius, Priscian. Major fragment: Speech of Mithridates (4.69M, via pseudo-Sallust)