Martial

Martial

Marcus Valerius Martialis (known in English as Martial) (March 1, 40 AD – between 102 and 104 AD), was a Latin poet from Hispania (the Iberian Peninsula) best known for his twelve books of Epigrams, published in Rome between AD 86 and 103, during the reigns of the emperors Domitian, Nerva and Trajan. In these short, witty poems he cheerfully satirises city life and the scandalous activities of his acquaintances, and romanticises his provincial upbringing. He wrote a total of 1,561, of which 1,235 are in elegiac couplets. He is considered to be the creator of the modern epigram.

Read more about Martial.

Famous quotes containing the word martial:

    As yet her conduct has been great both as a free and as a martial nation. We hope it will continue so, and finally baffle all her enemies, who are in fact the enemies of human nature.
    James Madison (1751–1836)

    Lie lightly on her, turf and dew:
    She put so little weight on you.
    —Marcus Valerius Martial (c. 40–104)

    The country in the town. [Rus in urbe.]
    —Marcus Valerius Martial (c. 40–104)