Martial, << MAHR shuhl >> (A.D. 40?-104?), was an ancient Roman writer. He became famous for developing the epigram into its modern form–a sharp, stinging poem or saying (see Epigram ). Martial wrote more than 1,500 short verses and epigrams. They contain witty and sometimes obscene comments about the vices of ancient Roman society. He also wrote several serious pieces, including one on the death of a slave girl named Erotion, whom he loved. Martial’s full name was Marcus Valerius Martialis. He was born in Bilbilis, Spain. He came to Rome in A.D. 64.
