Caecilius Statius
Roman comic poet, adapter of Greek New Comedy.
Caecilius Statius (c. 220 BC – c. 166 BC) was a Roman comic poet. He adapted Greek New Comedy plays for the Roman stage. He was a contemporary and intimate friend of the poet Ennius. His works enjoyed widespread popularity in Rome, placing him as a key figure between Plautus and Terence in the development of Roman comedy.
- born
- c. 220 BC
- died
- c. 166 BC
- field
- Comic poet
- nationality
- Celtic Roman
- known_for
- Adapting Greek New Comedy, especially Menander, for the Roman stage; author of t
Lore & Background
Originally a slave, he assumed the name Caecilius from his patron, likely one of the Metelli. After several failures, he gained a high reputation. Volcatius Sedigitus placed him first among comic poets; Varro credited him with pathos and skill in plot construction; Horace contrasted his dignity with Terence's art. Quintilian spoke disparagingly of him, and Cicero considered him inferior to Terence in style and Latinity, noting his foreign extraction. His plays could be referred to by name alone, indicating widespread popularity. He held a place between Plautus and Terence in his treatment of Greek originals, neither confounding Greek and Roman nor eliminating everything non-Roman.
Reader's Guide
Caecilius Statius occupies a significant position in the history of Roman comedy as a transitional figure between Plautus and Terence. His adaptations of Greek New Comedy, particularly from Menander, helped shape the Roman comic tradition. His comedies included serious thoughts on moral and social issues, mostly related to family and personal affairs affecting social position. Forty-two titles are known, with about 280 fragmentary verses surviving. His judgment was so esteemed that he was ordered to hear Terence's Andria read and pronounce an opinion. Despite mixed ancient critical reception, his works were popular enough to be cited by name alone, and he is remembered as a key contributor to Roman comedy's development.
Did You Know?
- Caecilius Statius was taken as a prisoner to Rome around 200 BC during the Roman-Gallic wars.
- Volcatius Sedigitus placed Caecilius Statius first among comic poets.
- Varro credited Caecilius Statius with pathos and skill in plot construction.
- Caecilius Statius was ordered to hear Terence's Andria read and pronounce an opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Caecilius Statius?
He was a Celtic-origin Roman comic poet active in the second century BC who specialized in reshaping Greek New Comedy for Roman audiences. He lived roughly between 220 and 166 BC and was a close personal friend of the poet Ennius.
What plays or writings are attributed to Caecilius Statius?
His surviving works include a comedy called Plocium, and he is credited with adapting plays by Menander and other Greek New Comedy writers into Latin. His adaptations were enormously popular with Roman audiences during his lifetime.
How does Caecilius Statius fit into the history of Roman comedy?
He occupies a pivotal middle ground between the earlier comic tradition of Plautus and the later refinements of Terence. Scholars regard him as a bridge figure who helped steer Roman stage comedy from its rougher early forms toward more sophisticated, Greek-influenced structures.
What was Caecilius Statius's background and nationality?
He was of Celtic descent but lived and worked in Rome, making him a Celtic Roman by origin. His Celtic heritage is noted in ancient sources, though he is primarily remembered as a Roman literary figure.
Who was Caecilius Statius's closest literary connection?
His most significant personal and professional bond was with the poet Ennius, who was both a contemporary and an intimate friend. Their friendship placed Statius at the center of Rome's literary circles in the mid-second century BC.
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