Martial

Marcus Valerius Martialis (Martial) (c. 38–c. 104 CE) was a Roman poet celebrated for his sharp, witty epigrams. Born in Bilbilis in Hispania Tarraconensis (near modern Calatayud, Spain), he moved to Rome around 64 CE and built a literary career under the Flavian emperors. His principal work, the *Epigrams*, comprises short poems on urban life, patronage, friendship, and vice, mixing satire with occasional praise. Martial also wrote the *Liber de Spectaculis* on games in the Colosseum and the gift-books *Xenia* and *Apophoreta*. Late in life he returned to Bilbilis, where he died.