Satires

Abstract This chapter tackles the two books of satires published by Horace in 36/35 and 30 bce. It explains the nature of ancient satire, introducing the iconic Roman figure of C. Lucilius, an embodiment of Roman republican values, libertas (freedom, freedom of speech) especially. In both books Horace is keen to relate his own poetry to Lucilius’, and this tells us a lot about his and Rome’s circumstances in the 30 bce and how he wanted to present Augustus’ activities at this point. The style of verse of satire is also investigated, its artfully scruffy versification and vocabulary and its emphasis on the physical over the spiritual, and how that apparent lack of polish also contributes to its perception as a privileged mouthpiece of Romanness. The implications of these poems’ original title, Sermones, is discussed, one being that they are like the kind of conversations one might have at the important Roman institution of the cena, dinner by invitation.