Ch. 5. Sallust and the ‘Modern’ Lie

Sallust’s Histories confront the ‘modern’ organised political lie and demonstrate that historical truth can only be preserved by those outside the political sphere. The speech of the historian and tribune Licinius Macer demonstrates the post-Sullan apathy towards truth. As a historian Macer might be an independent critic, but as a politician he cannot overcome the corrosive effects of organised lying. Macer’s failure reinforces Sallust’s assertion that his own removal from politics is key to wresting the truth from the triumvirs. If the historian’s role is that of truth-teller, the ideal historian is not only removed from public life but also uses history to respond to contemporary events and concerns. Published in Andrew G. Scott,, ed., Studies in Contemporary Historiography (HISTOS Supplement 15), p. 107-131.