# Plautus

> Roman comic playwright (c. 254 – 184 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q47160](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47160)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plautus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plautus

## Summary

Plautus (250 BC–184 BC) was a comedy writer, playwright, and writer of Ancient Rome[1][2][3]. He was born in 250 BC in Sarsina[4][5] and died in 184 BC in Rome[5][6].

## Summary
Plautus was a Roman comic playwright and writer who lived during the era of Ancient Rome from approximately 254 BC to 184 BC. He is best known for authoring influential comedies such as *Menaechmi*, *Pseudolus*, and *Miles gloriosus*. His works established foundational elements of Roman theatre and served as a significant influence on later dramatists, including the French playwright Molière.

## Biography
- Born: c. 254 BC
- Nationality: Ancient Rome
- Known for: Writing Ancient Roman comic plays
- Field(s): Playwriting, literature

## Contributions
Plautus contributed to the canon of Ancient Roman literature by authoring a series of comic plays that defined the genre. His notable works include *Pseudolus*, an Ancient Roman play; *Menaechmi*, a comedy of errors; and *Cistellaria*. He also produced *Rudens*, *Aulularia*, *Miles gloriosus*, *Mostellaria*, and *Asinaria*. Beyond his direct output, Plautus's theatrical style influenced the development of comedy, specifically impacting the satirical approach of French playwright Molière.

## FAQs
**When was Plautus active?**
Plautus was a Roman playwright who lived approximately from 254 BC to 184 BC.

**What are some of Plautus's most famous plays?**
Some of Plautus's most famous works include *Pseudolus*, *Menaechmi*, *Miles gloriosus*, *Aulularia*, and *Rudens*.

**Who was influenced by Plautus?**
The French playwright Molière was notably influenced by Plautus, along with the commedia dell'arte, which shaped Molière's satirical approach to theatre.

**What nationality was Plautus?**
Plautus was a citizen of Ancient Rome.

**What genre of plays did Plautus write?**
Plautus was a comic playwright, specializing in Ancient Roman comedies.

## Why They Matter
Plautus matters because his body of work represents a cornerstone of Ancient Roman comic theatre, providing a template for comedic storytelling that endured for centuries. His plays contributed to the cultural and artistic history of Ancient Rome, a civilization that began growing on the Italian Peninsula from the 8th century BC. His influence is directly traceable to the 17th century, where he shaped the satirical approach of Molière, thereby impacting the trajectory of Western comedy and the exposure of social hypocrisy on stage.

## Notable For
- Authoring the Ancient Roman plays *Pseudolus*, *Menaechmi*, *Cistellaria*, *Rudens*, *Aulularia*, *Miles gloriosus*, *Mostellaria*, and *Asinaria*.
- Serving as a primary influence on the French playwright Molière.
- Establishing the tradition of Roman comic playwright during the Roman Republic.
- Holding the aliases Titus Maccius Plautus.

## Body

### Identity and Background
Titus Maccius Plautus, commonly known as Plautus, was a human and a writer who specialized in playwriting. He was a citizen of Ancient Rome, a country that began growing on the Italian Peninsula from the 8th century BC. His life spanned from approximately 254 BC to 184 BC, placing him within the historical context of the Roman Republic. As a playwright, he utilized written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works, specifically focusing on the genre of comedy.

### Theatrical Works
Plautus is recognized for creating a substantial collection of Ancient Roman plays that remain significant in the history of theatre. His repertoire includes *Pseudolus*, an Ancient Roman play attributed to him. He also wrote *Menaechmi*, a work often cited for its comedic structure. Other notable contributions include *Cistellaria* and *Rudens*, both of which are classified as Ancient Roman plays by Plautus. Additionally, he authored *Aulularia*, *Miles gloriosus*, *Mostellaria*, and *Asinaria*. These works collectively define his career as a comic playwright and demonstrate his role in shaping the theatrical landscape of his time.

### Legacy and Influence
The impact of Plautus's work extended far beyond the era of Ancient Rome. His plays influenced the development of comedy and satire in later centuries. Notably, the French playwright and actor Molière (1622–1673) was influenced by Plautus. Molière, known for satirical comedies that exposed social hypocrisy and human folly, adopted a satirical approach to theatre shaped by Plautus's legacy. This connection highlights Plautus's enduring role in the history of literature and theatre, bridging the gap between Roman antiquity and 17th-century French art.

## References

1. Q45261276
2. Freebase Data Dumps
3. BeWeB
4. Integrated Authority File
5. The Fine Art Archive
6. Library of the World's Best Literature
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. BnF authorities
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. [Source](https://theaterencyclopedie.nl/id/01944072-b087-73ca-b664-7d6eac75c32d)
13. Name and Title Authority File of Catalonia
14. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index13.html)
15. CONOR.SI
16. Autoritats UB
17. CERL Thesaurus
18. Shakeosphere
19. Quora
20. Enciclopedia Treccani
21. LIBRIS. 2012
22. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
24. Provenio
25. HMML Authority File
26. performing-arts.ch
27. Digital Scriptorium Catalog