This book aims to provide a comprehensive inquiry into the short metrical intermezzos inserted in the prose narrative of Petronius¿ Satyrica. The text of each poem has been thoroughly investigated; in addition, special attention has been devoted to their function in the context and to the aspects connecting Petronius with the literature and culture of his time. Numerous contacts with other ancient authors have been pointed out to illustrate Petronius¿ attitude to the cultural and literary heritage on the one hand, and the character of his own work on the other.