Martial XIV: The Apophoreta - (Paperback)

About the Book

Book XIV of Martial's epigrams, the "Apophoreta", comprising of poetic couplets, is a source of information about one of the principal Roman festivals and about many everyday objects of first-century Rome. This book examines literary, linguistic and textual matters, and the work's social context.

Book Synopsis

Book XIV of Martial's epigrams, the Apophoreta, derives its name from the presents hosts gave 'to be carried away' by their guests at the Roman Saturnalia. The book comprises poetic couplets designed to accompany such presents and arranged so as to describe, alternately, the gifts of rich and poor. It is a unique source of information about one of the principal Roman festivals and about many of the everyday objects of first-century Roman life; yet until now it has attracted scant attention.

This edition, while dealing comprehensively with matters of literary, linguistic and textual note, concerns itself also with the social context of the Apophoreta and the gifts it describes. It is a rich source of information not only for specialists in Latin epigram and the literature of the Flavian period, but also for historians and archaeologists, and indeed anyone with an interest in the life and customs of Imperial Rome.

Review Quotes

"Leary has set himself a heroic task, and... has rendered a very signal service to us all... this book is a fund of learning." --Journal of Roman Archaeology

"Through all the multifarious foods, wines and objects (or indeed slaves), [Leary] offers a comprehensive guide ... The commentaries and the rich introductions are really helpful for all readers who want to approach Martial as literature or for details of the Saturnalia or patronage in general." --Classics for All Reviews

About the Author

T.J. Leary was Junior Lecturer in Classics at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa, and now teaches Classics at Hampton School, UK. He also edited Martial XIII: Xenia, published by Bloomsbury.