Titus Maccius Plautus by: P. Dionysius Mus 1. Life of Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC)
Titus Maccius Plautus is the eldest Latin writer of whom several complete works have survived.
According to tradition he was born around 250BC, far away from Rome, in Sarsina, a small town in Umbria. He came descended probably from a very modest family and lived quite long, about 66 years or more. An apology for Homer wherein the true nature and design of the Iliad is explained.Almost nothing is known about his life, but it is sure that he had great knowledge in Greek language and literature. He was probably, like his great successors Shakespeare and Moli�re, head of a group of actors (dominus gregis), and wrote pieces for this company.
His name Titus Maccius Plautus is rather unusual.
Plautus means 'flatfoot' in Umbria, but in one of his pieces there is a reference to the meaning 'longhaired dog': "Plautus with the barking name" (Casina). Maccus is the name for the buffoon in ancient Italian comedies (Fabulae Atellanae); maybe Plautus started his career as an actor i
|