18th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Disability in the Roman Empire: Juvenal’s Satirical Expression
Lesley E. Nichols*, Courtney R. Wilson, Mike J. Kremer, and Kristen V. McManis
Prof. Martha L. Rose, Faculty Mentor
In the satirical world of Juvenal, no one was safe from his cruel and condescending words. From the depraved and deformed to defied leaders, Juvenal brought to attention every ugliness or embarrassment that he could find or embellish. Though his work is best known for scathing exaggeration and consistent negativity, he is taken as one of the most reliable sources available concerning social history and daily life in the Roman Empire during the early second century AD. Physical disability in Rome was an essential part in daily and social history, but the subject has been largely ignored. Juvenal’s satires are a great asset to disability studies in Rome. They help to shed light on this important social category which has received only passing mention in most historical research. Taking into consideration his personal and political biases, as well as his literary style, Juvenal’s satires nevertheless provide us with a vivid portrayal of those nearly forgotten in ancient history.
Keywords: Juvenal, Disability Studies, Daily life in Rome
Topic(s):History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 13-2
Location: VH 1416
Time: 8:30