Figuring Out Roman Nobility: Juvenal’s Eighth ‘Satire

Juvenal is a central author on courses in Classical studies and has an important place on courses in comparative literature. This accessible work shows how the eighth Satire makes fun of traditional Roman family values, and in the process displays the core ideas and practices with which aristocratic culture at Rome enshrined itself in all seriousness. Virgil and Horace are Juvenal’s prize scalps in his spoof of the Roman fame-machine. All Latin is translated. This work is intended for undergraduate students of Roman satire, A-level students of classical civilization, students of comparative literature, and scholars and advanced readers of Latin poetry and Roman cultural politics.