Sallustiano is an Italian adjective derived from the Latin Sallustius, referring to or pertaining to Gaius Sallustius Crispus (c. 86 – c. 35 BC), a prominent Roman historian, politician, and senator. It can also refer to concepts, places, or styles associated with him or his legacy, particularly the famous [[Horti Sallustiani]] (Gardens of Sallust) in Rome.
Etymology
The term "Sallustiano" is formed from the name [[Sallustius]] (the Latin form of the historian's cognomen) and the Italian adjectival suffix "-iano," which signifies "belonging to," "related to," or "in the style of." Its English equivalent is "Sallustian."
Meanings and Uses
1. Adjective (Sallustian)
When used as an adjective, "Sallustiano" (English: "Sallustian") typically describes:
- Literary Style: Refers to the distinctive prose style characteristic of Sallust's historical writings, known for its brevity (brevitas), archaizing vocabulary, use of rhetorical figures, moralistic tone, and psychological insights into characters. Examples include his monographs [[Conspiracy of Catiline]] (De coniuratione Catilinae) and [[Jugurthine War]] (Bellum Iugurthinum).
- Historiography: Pertains to Sallust's approach to history, which often emphasized moral decay, political corruption, and the actions of individuals as drivers of historical events, reflecting his disillusionment with the late Roman Republic.
- Themes and Ideas: Relates to the political and moral themes explored in his works, such as the corrupting influence of wealth and ambition, the decline of traditional Roman virtues, and the nature of tyranny.
- Period: Occasionally refers to the late Roman Republican period during which Sallust lived and wrote.
2. Related to the Horti Sallustiani (Gardens of Sallust)
"Sallustiano" is frequently encountered in contexts related to the [[Horti Sallustiani]] (English: Gardens of Sallust), a vast and opulent pleasure garden owned by the historian Sallust in ancient Rome. After Sallust's death, the gardens became imperial property and were maintained for several centuries. Significant structures and artifacts from these gardens include:
- [[Obelisco Sallustiano]]: An ancient Egyptian obelisk, originally erected in the gardens, later moved to [[Piazza della Trinità dei Monti]] in Rome.
- [[Tempio di Venere Erycina]]: A temple dedicated to Venus Erycina, which was incorporated into the gardens.
- Architectural Remains: Various ruins, including cryptoporticus, nymphaea, and statuary, discovered over centuries and now found in several Roman museums, are often referred to with the "Sallustiano" epithet (e.g., "the Sallustian Venus," "Sallustian finds"). The entire archaeological area where the gardens once stood is sometimes informally referred to as "il Sallustiano."
Examples of Usage
- Stile sallustiano: "Sallustian style," referring to the historian's writing.
- Architetture sallustiane: "Sallustian architecture," referring to structures found within or influenced by the Horti Sallustiani.
- I resti sallustiani: "The Sallustian remains," referring to archaeological findings from the gardens.
See Also
- [[Gaius Sallustius Crispus]]
- [[Horti Sallustiani]]
- [[Roman historiography]]
- [[Latin literature]]