Titus Maccius Plautus

author

Titus Maccius Plautus

-254–-184

Best known as the great comic playwright of ancient Rome, he filled the stage with quick wit, mistaken identities, and lively characters who still feel entertaining centuries later. Though much about his life remains uncertain, his plays became a lasting model for Western comedy.

2 Audiobooks

Amphitryo, Asinaria, Aulularia, Bacchides, Captivi

Amphitryo, Asinaria, Aulularia, Bacchides, Captivi

by Titus Maccius Plautus

The Captivi and the Mostellaria

The Captivi and the Mostellaria

by Titus Maccius Plautus

About the author

Born around 254 BCE and thought to have come from Sarsina in Umbria, Plautus lived during the early rise of Roman literature. Ancient sources leave many details of his life unclear, but he is widely remembered as the earliest Roman comic dramatist whose work survives in substantial form.

Plautus adapted Greek New Comedy for Roman audiences, turning it into fast, musical, highly theatrical entertainment. His comedies are known for clever slaves, boastful soldiers, strict fathers, young lovers, and elaborate mix-ups, all driven by energetic dialogue and a strong sense of stagecraft.

Around 20 of his plays survive, including Menaechmi, Miles Gloriosus, and Amphitruo. His influence reached far beyond Rome: later writers and dramatists drew on his plots and comic style, helping keep his work alive long after his death around 184 BCE.