# Juvenal

> early 2nd century Roman poet

**Wikidata**: [Q193800](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193800)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenal)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/juvenal

## Summary
Juvenal was an early 2nd-century Roman poet, satirist, and historian best known for his work *Satires*, a collection of satirical poems that critique Roman society, politics, and morality. His sharp wit and biting social commentary have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential satirists of Ancient Rome.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 55 AD (exact place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Roman (Ancient Rome)
- **Occupation**: Poet, satirist, writer, historian
- **Known for**: Authoring *Satires*, a seminal work of Roman literature
- **Field(s)**: Literature, satire, history

## Contributions
Juvenal's primary contribution is his collection of satirical poems titled *Satires* (Latin: *Saturae*), written in the early 2nd century. This work consists of 16 poems that critique various aspects of Roman life, including corruption, hypocrisy, and social decay. *Satires* remains a foundational text in the study of Roman literature and satire, influencing later writers and thinkers.

## FAQs
**Who was Juvenal?**
Juvenal was a Roman poet and satirist active in the early 2nd century, renowned for his *Satires*, which offer a scathing critique of Roman society.

**What is Juvenal best known for?**
He is best known for *Satires*, a collection of poems that use humor and irony to expose the vices and follies of contemporary Roman life.

**When did Juvenal live?**
Juvenal lived from approximately 55 AD to around 200 AD, placing him in the early 2nd century of the Roman Empire.

**What was Juvenal’s occupation?**
He was a poet, satirist, writer, and historian, with his work primarily focusing on social and political commentary.

**Why is Juvenal important in literature?**
His *Satires* are considered a cornerstone of satirical literature, influencing later European writers and shaping the genre of satire.

## Why They Matter
Juvenal’s *Satires* provided a critical lens through which to view Roman society, blending humor with sharp social critique. His work has had a lasting impact on Western literature, inspiring later satirists and shaping the development of satirical writing. Without Juvenal, the tradition of literary satire might lack one of its most foundational and enduring voices.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Satires*, a seminal work of Roman satire.
- Being one of the most influential satirists of Ancient Rome.
- Critiquing Roman society, politics, and morality through poetry.
- Influencing later European literature and satirical traditions.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Juvenal, whose full name was Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis (or Decimus Junius Juvenalis), was born around 55 AD in the Roman Empire. Little is known about his early life, but his works suggest he was well-educated and deeply familiar with Roman culture and politics.

### Literary Career
Juvenal’s most significant work is *Satires*, a collection of 16 poems written in the early 2nd century. These poems are characterized by their biting wit, sharp social commentary, and critique of Roman society. Topics range from political corruption to moral decay, making *Satires* a valuable historical and literary document.

### Themes and Style
Juvenal’s satire is known for its directness and unflinching critique. He often employed irony, exaggeration, and humor to highlight the absurdities and injustices of Roman life. His work stands in contrast to the more restrained satire of his contemporaries, such as Horace.

### Influence and Legacy
Juvenal’s *Satires* have had a profound influence on Western literature. His style and themes have inspired countless writers, from medieval scholars to modern satirists. The term "juvenalian satire" is now used to describe works that employ similar techniques of harsh, critical humor.

### Historical Context
Juvenal wrote during a period of significant change in the Roman Empire, including the transition from the Flavian dynasty to the Nervan-Antonian dynasty. His work reflects the anxieties and frustrations of Roman citizens during this time, providing a unique perspective on the era.

### Later Reception
Juvenal’s work was widely read and studied in medieval and Renaissance Europe, where it was often used as a model for satirical writing. His influence can be seen in the works of later writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope.

### Key Works
- *Satires* (*Saturae*): A collection of 16 poems critiquing Roman society, politics, and morality.

### Identity and Naming
Juvenal is also known by his full name, Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis, and variations such as Decimus Junius Juvenalis. These names are often used in scholarly contexts to distinguish him from other historical figures.

### Cultural Impact
Juvenal’s work has transcended its original context, becoming a touchstone for discussions of satire, social critique, and literary style. His influence extends beyond literature into political and social commentary, making him a enduring figure in Western intellectual history.

## References

1. Q45272340
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Source
4. MMDC (manuscripts database)
5. Mirabile: Digital Archives for Medieval Culture
6. Library of the World's Best Literature
7. BnF authorities
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Iuvenalis%20Decimus%20Iunius)
12. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index9.html)
13. CONOR.SI
14. BBC Things
15. CERL Thesaurus
16. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
17. Enciclopedia Treccani
18. LIBRIS. 2012
19. [Juvenalis & Auli Persii Flacci Satyrae](https://www.collectiegelderland.nl/object/b33e2d06-3dfb-6088-312f-e472dbadd2cd)
20. CollectieGelderland
21. Provenio
22. HMML Authority File
23. Digital Scriptorium Catalog