He was known for his scathing critiques of Roman society, especially its morals, corruption, and hypocrisy. His most famous work, *Satires*, is a collection of poems that lampooned the wealthy, the powerful, and the social climbers of his time.
Juvenal's satirical attacks were so sharp and uncompromising that they often offended the very people he targeted. As a result, he was exiled from Rome for a time, and some historians believe he may have faced other forms of persecution as well.