The Shameless Gaze

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Marcus Valerius Martialis established the epigram as an enduring poetic form in Western literature. His work covers a great range of subjects and tones, but his characteristic themes are the flaws, vices, and hypocricies of his fellow Romans, which he nails again and again in compressed, trenchant conclusions. The emperors Titus and Domitian both regarded him favorably and helped support him, not with money but with rank and privilege. His patrons included Pliny the Younger, who mentions Martial in one of his letters. Many later writers have imitated and translated Martial especially the Elizabethan poets and in recent years his work has enjoyed a boom in new scholarship. Despite his penchant for obscenity and his servile flattery of Domitian, his poetic skill, keen observation, and riotous humor will always attract new readers.