Terence
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Publius Terentius Afer, commonly known as Terence, was a Roman playwright of the 2nd century BC.

Birth and Death Dates

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Terence was born in Carthage around 185-185 BCE. His exact date of death is unknown, but it is believed to be sometime between 159-155 BCE.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Roman, playwright

Terence was a Roman citizen by birth and made his living as a playwright, writing comedies in the style of Greek New Comedy.

Early Life and Background

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Terence's early life is shrouded in mystery. He was born to a Carthaginian father and a Roman mother in Carthage, a city that had been under Roman rule since 146 BCE. It is believed that his family may have been brought to Rome as slaves or freedmen. Little is known about Terence's education or early career, but it is thought that he was trained as an actor before becoming a playwright.

Major Accomplishments

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Terence wrote six plays during his lifetime: _Andria_, _Hecyra_, _Eunuchus_, _Heautontimoroumenos_, _Adelphoe_, and _Phormion_. His works were highly regarded by the Roman audience for their witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and exploration of social issues such as slavery, class, and identity.

Notable Works or Actions

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Terence's most famous play is probably _The Eunuch_ (_Eunuchus_), which tells the story of a young slave who disguises himself as a eunuch to win his master's sister in marriage. The play was a huge success during Terence's lifetime and has remained one of his most popular works to this day.

Impact and Legacy

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Terence's plays had a significant impact on Roman literature and theater, influencing the development of comedy and shaping the Roman comedic tradition. His work also reflected the complexities and contradictions of Roman society, exploring issues such as slavery, class, and identity in ways that were both humorous and insightful.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Terence is widely quoted and remembered for his witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and exploration of social issues. His plays continue to be performed and studied today, offering insights into the culture and values of ancient Rome. As a playwright who was also an outsider in Roman society (being a Carthaginian-born slave), Terence's experiences and perspectives offer a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and belonging.

Terence's legacy extends beyond his plays to influence the development of Western literature and theater. His work has shaped the comedic tradition, from Shakespeare to modern-day comedians, and continues to inspire new generations of writers and artists.