Greek Epigram in the Roman Empire Martial's Forgotten Rivals [Hardcover]

When we say epigram, we mean Martial --whether we know it or not. After Martial, a Roman poet of the first century AD, epigram would always mean satirical epigram: a short, funny poem with a sting in its tail. But Martial was an imitator. He copied and adapted the real innovators: the Greek poets who were already turning epigram into antiquity's sharpest--and shortest--form of satirical humor. This book finally gives them their due, uncovering a forgotten world of wicked puns and violent slapstick.

Preface: skoptic epigram
1. Reading skoptic epigram
2. Situating skoptic epigram
3. Louklillios
4. Nikarkhos
5. Broken masks: skoptic epigram's identity crisis
6. Political epigram: Louklillios and Nero
7. Ammianos
8. Loukianos
9. Skoptic Oddments
10. Conclusion

Gideon Nisbet is Lecturer in Classics, St John's College, Oxford