Marcus Valerius Martial Biography

Early Life
Marcus Valerius Martialis, who later happened called Martial, was born around 41 AD in Bilbilis, a Roman town in Hispania Tarraconensis (modern-day Spain). He belonged to a household of the equestrian class, a social rank listed below aristocrats. Although info about his early childhood and education is limited, it's thought that he obtained a substantial understanding of literature, language, and the classics, which is shown in his poetry.

Relocate to Rome and Initial Years
In 64 AD, Martial moved to Rome to pursue a profession in poetry. He showed up throughout the reign of Emperor Nero and experienced turmoils in the Roman political landscape. Martial at first found customers amongst the Roman aristocracy and began making up poems for them. It is said that poet and philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca and his nephew, the poet Lucan, were among his associates during this time.

Between 65 and 69 AD, Martial made it through the assassination of Nero and the Year of the Four Emperors, when Rome suffered brief and violent successions of power by Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, before lastly seeing stability under Emperor Vespasian.

Publication of His Works
Martial's profession as a poet removed with the publication of "Liber Spectaculorum" around 80 AD, a collection of epigrams celebrating the inauguration of the Colosseum under Emperor Titus. He continued writing epigrams in his subsequent works, called "Epigrammata" or "Epigrams.".

Martial's epigrams deal with different aspects of Roman society, supplying an invaluable insight into their lives, incorporating topics such as friendship, city life, religious beliefs, love, and satire. His poems are often funny, witty, and, at times, scandalous and profane.

Throughout his career, Martial wrote 12 books of "Epigrams", the very first of which was published around 86 AD and the final one in 102 AD. A few of the most well-known poems in his collection include Epigrams 1.32, 5.34, and 10.47, which display his sarcastic wit and observations of Roman culture.

Patronage and Social Circle
Martial had numerous customers during his time in Rome, which enabled him to pursue his poetic profession. He was initially supported by the then-emperor Domitian, who ruled in between 81 and 96 AD. Martial committed several of his works to him, however after Domitian's assassination, he changed his obligation to the new emperor, Nerva.

Among Martial's circle of pals, close acquaintances, and patrons were the gifted orator Quintilian, the historian Tacitus, and the poet Statius. Martial credited his success to his patrons and friends and dedicated a lot of his epigrams to them.

Return to Bilbilis and Later Years
Around 98 AD, Martial chose to go back to his homeland, Bilbilis, after investing over 3 years in Rome. It's thought that the modification in patronage and the death of some of his influential friends contributed to his return. In his last book of epigrams, Martial expressed his longing for an easy life far from the city's chaos.

Martial's last years in Bilbilis were dedicated to poetry and the recollection of his time in Rome. He passed away around 104 AD, leaving an outstanding legacy of work that clarified Roman society and culture. Martial is remembered as one of Rome's greatest epigrammatists, providing an invaluable contribution to the world of poetry and literature.

Our collection contains 9 quotes who is written / told by Marcus.

Related authors: Seneca (Philosopher), Philo (Philosopher), Seneca the Younger (Statesman), Titus (Statesman), Tacitus (Historian), Quintilian (Educator), Lucan (Poet), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)

• 84 Apophoreta (Book)
• 84 Xenia (Book)
• 86 Epigrams (Book)

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