Martial Epigrams

"Martial Epigrams" presents a vibrant and unflinching look at life in Imperial Rome through the eyes of one of history's most astute social observers. Marcus Valerius Martialis, commonly known as Martial, perfected the art of the epigram-short, punchy poems that range from the biting and humorous to the deeply poignant. In this first volume, the reader is introduced to a wide cast of characters that populated the Roman streets, from ambitious social climbers and pompous poets to humble laborers and elite patrons.

The work is celebrated for its sharp wit, its mastery of the Latin language, and its unparalleled ability to document the daily realities, scandals, and social mores of the first century AD. Martial's verses offer more than just literary entertainment; they serve as a critical historical record of the human condition, capturing universal themes of friendship, vanity, greed, and love. This collection remains a cornerstone of classical literature, essential for anyone interested in the development of satire and the poetic form. Walter C.A. Ker's translation preserves the nuances and sharp-edged humor of the original text, ensuring that the vitality of Martial's voice remains accessible to a modern audience.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

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