is set (unusually for New Comedy) in the region of Aetolia on the mainland of Greece. The Aetolians had a history of conflict with Rome, and from 191 BCE until its defeat in 189 BCE, the Aetolian League was at war with the Romans. As was the case for many of Rome’s enemies, the Aetolians were stereotyped as treacherous and untrustworthy. Given these historical factors and the play’s emphasis on the theme of
fides(“credibility,” “honor”),
Captivihas been plausibly dated to the late 190s BCE, i.e. the latter years of Plautus’ career: see further Franko (1995).
The prologue of Captivi is most striking. The prologist stands beside two mute prisoners of war, Tyndarus and Philocrates, said to be from the Peloponnesian city-state of Elis. The captives are probably in
1537 words
Citation: Christenson, David M.. "Captivi". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 06 May 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=26472, accessed 22 November 2024.]
