died 184
Plautus was a Roman playwright active during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, renowned for his comedic works that significantly shaped the development of Roman theatre. His notable plays, such as "Bacchides" and "Miles Gloriosus," were characterized by their clever wordplay, farcical situations, and the use of stock characters, drawing inspiration from earlier Greek comedies. Plautus is often credited with influencing later playwrights, including Shakespeare and Molière, making him a pivotal figure in the history of dramatic literature.