When was Sallust born?

The correct birth year for Sallust is 86 BC. Sallust, a prominent Roman historian known for his works on the conspiracy of Catiline and the Jugurthine War, is often associated with his innovative narrative style and historical perspective. The year 86 BC aligns with historical records regarding his biography, which suggests that he was born during the final decades of the Roman Republic, a period marked by political turmoil and social change.

Other options listed do not match the established scholarly consensus regarding Sallust's birth year. 80 BC, for instance, is too late for his birth; by then, Sallust would have already been a mature adult involved in political and historical matters. Similarly, 87 BC and 84 BC are both either too early or too imprecise to fit with the chronology of his life as understood from historical evidence, including references made by later historians about him and his works. Thus, 86 BC stands out as the correct date.