Question: Why is Martial so critical of the shops and people in Rome?
Comment: I think we often think of antiquity as being this solemn, deep time with lots of important writing, so it's a nice reminder to see humor and lightness in this period.
Quote: "If you should chance, Caesar, to light upon my books, lay aside that look which awes the world. Even your triumphs have been accustomed to endure jests"