Plautus

Definition

Titus Maccius Plautus, better known simply as Plautus (actually a nickname meaning 'flatfoot'), was, between c. 205 and 184 BCE, a Roman writer of comedy plays, specifically the fabulae palliatae, which had a Greek-themed storyline. His plays are the earliest complete surviving works from Latin theatre and they are noted for adding even more outrageous comedy to traditional comic plays. Plautus is also celebrated as a developer of characterisation and a master of verbal acrobatics. Finally, the plays are a rich and valuable source of information regarding contemporary Roman society.

More about: Plautus

Timeline

  • c. 205 BCE - 184 BCE
    Plautus writes his Roman comedy plays.
  • c. 200 BCE
    Plautus' comedy play Stichus is first performed.
  • c. 191 BCE
    Plautus' comedy play Pseudolus is first performed.
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