Terence:
Latin name for Publius Terentius Afer. (c. 195/190 – 159 BC). Roman comedy writer who originally came from Carthage. He was brought to Rome as a slave, received an education there and was later freed by his master, Senator Terentius Lucanus, whose name he adopted.
Life and career
– Origin: Born in Carthage, he was given the nickname *Afer* (“African”), which may refer to his African origins.
– Education and network: His talent gave him access to the elite literary circle around Scipio Africanus and Laelius, where he was suspected of plagiarism, possibly because his style was so refined.
– Travel and death: After writing six plays, he left for Greece to seek inspiration. He probably died in 159 BC, possibly at sea.
Works
He wrote six surviving comedies (166–160 BC), based on Greek examples by Menander:
– Andria (166 BC)
– Hecyra (165 BC)
– Heauton Timorumenos (163 BC)
– Eunuchus (161 BC)
– Phormio (161 BC)
– Adelphoe (160 BC)
His plays are known for their refined style, psychological depth and relatively modest tone, which led to them being used as school texts for centuries.
When two do the same thing, it’s not the same.
So many men, so many minds.
