Terence (Publius Terentius Afer) Quotes

A collection of quotes by Terence (Publius Terentius Afer).

Publius Terentius Afer, known as Terence, was a Roman playwright born in Carthage around 195 BCE. Very little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was once a slave in Rome. He gained freedom and became a highly respected playwright during the era of the Roman Republic.

Terence was greatly admired for his comedies, which drew inspiration from Greek New Comedy and addressed themes of love, relationships, and social class. His works were characterized by their well-constructed plots, sophisticated language, and moral messages.

Some of Terence's most renowned plays include "Andria" (The Girl from Andros), "Hecyra" (The Mother-in-Law), and "Adelphoe" (The Brothers). His realistic portrayal of human characters and their complex motivations greatly influenced later Roman playwrights, as well as playwrights of the Renaissance and beyond.

Terence's plays were performed during the annual Roman festival known as the Ludi Romani, and he enjoyed the patronage of prominent statesmen, including Scipio Africanus. Despite his tragically short life, Terence's impact on Roman drama was immeasurable. His works continue to be studied and admired for their timeless themes and timeless insights into the human condition.