Martial, (Marcus Valerius Martialis) (c. AD 41–c. 104)

Latin poet and epigrammatist. Born in Bilbilis, Spain, Martial settled in Rome in AD 64, where he lived a life of poverty and dependence. His poetry, often obscene, is keenly observant of all classes in contemporary Rome. Of his works the following survive: about 33 poems from Liber Spectaculorum, published in AD 80 to commemorate the opening of the Colosseum; two collections of short mottoes entitled Xenia and Apophoreta, (AD 84–85); and 12 books of Epigrams, published in AD 86–102.