Sallust was a Roman historian and politician who lived from 86 to 35 BCE. He is best known for his works, particularly "The Jugurthine War" and "The Conspiracy of Catiline," which provide insights into the political corruption and social issues of the late Roman Republic. His writing style is characterized by a focus on moral lessons and the importance of virtue in leadership. Sallust's historical accounts are significant for their analysis of events and characters, offering a perspective that emphasizes the decline of Roman values. His works have influenced later historians and writers, including Tacitus and Plutarch, and remain important for understanding Roman history and politics.