The Canon Library
Cover of Epigrams

Ancient · Epigram / satire

Epigrams

by Martial. A significant canonical or canon-expanding work by Martial, centered on urban life, patronage, wit; added in the full 1,200-work edition for its sustained influence, representative importance, or role in revising the traditional canon.

Date
86–103 CE
Origin
Roman Empire
Era
Ancient
Genre
Epigram / satire
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
Medium
Collection
The Western Canon

Subjects and themes

Urban LifePatronageWit

Why it matters

A significant canonical or canon-expanding work by Martial, centered on urban life, patronage, wit; added in the full 1,200-work edition for its sustained influence, representative importance, or role in revising the traditional canon.

This work is included in the collection on the basis of full-canon expansion: traditional, modern, revised, and genre canons. Its cataloged influence level is 4 out of 5.