Martial (Marcus Valerius Martialis), c.A.D. 40-c.A.D. 104, Roman epigrammatic poet, b. Bilbilis, Spain. After A.D. 64 he lived in Rome for many years, winning fame by his wit and poetic gifts. He enjoyed the patronage of Domitian, Titus, and Pliny the Younger and the friendship of Juvenal and Quintilian. His verses are characterized by a twist of wit at the end of each and by original meter and form. They have become models for the modern epigram.