Marcus Valerius Martial

Date of Birth: March 1, AD 38

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Between AD 102 and 104

Biography

Marcus Valerius Martial, commonly known as Martial, was a renowned Latin poet born in the Roman province of Hispania (modern-day Spain) in the town of Bilbilis. Martial is best known for his twelve books of Epigrams, a series of short, witty poems that often contained satirical and humorous observations on Roman society. His work provides a vivid and insightful glimpse into the daily life, culture, and people of ancient Rome, making it a valuable resource for historians and literary scholars alike. Martial moved to Rome in AD 64 during the reign of Emperor Nero and quickly gained recognition for his literary talent. Despite his initial struggles, he formed connections with influential figures such as Seneca the Younger and Lucan. Martial’s epigrams were widely read and appreciated, earning him patronage from emperors like Titus and Domitian. His writing style was marked by its sharp wit, keen observations, and often risqué subject matter. Martial returned to his birthplace in Hispania around AD 98, where he continued to write until his death. His works have had a lasting impact on the genre of epigrammatic poetry and continue to be studied and admired for their cleverness and insight into Roman life.

5 Interesting Facts about Marcus Valerius Martial

1. Martial is considered the master of the Latin epigram, a poetic form that he perfected and popularized.

2. He was a contemporary of other famous Latin writers like Seneca, Quintilian, and Juvenal.

3. Martial’s works often contained explicit content and biting satire, which were both praised and criticized in his time.

4. Despite his success, Martial often lamented his financial struggles and dependence on patronage.

5. Martial’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting Renaissance writers and even modern poets who admire his concise and pointed style.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marcus Valerius Martial

1. “There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.”

2. “Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.”

3. “A good man doubles the length of his existence; to have lived so as to look back with pleasure on our past life is to live twice.”

4. “He who writes distichs two by two, writes them plain for all to see.”

5. “The things that we desire most in life are the things that destroy us.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Martial did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is considered to have been modest, sustained mainly through patronage and the sale of his works.