Roman Authors Timeline

Roman writers were heavily influenced by Greek literature. Early Latin writers translated and adapted Greek forms for Roman audiences, beginning after the 1st Punic War (264-241) with Livius Andronicus (285-204? B.C.) whose works have not survived. In turn, Shakespearean comedy is indebted to the early Latin playwright Plautus. Over time, the Latin writers developed their own genres, most notable of which is satire.

Here are Latin writers century by century, from the 3rd century B.C. through the 2nd century A.D.

• Plautus (254-184)
• Ennius (239-169)
• Cato (234-149)

(Not all dates are universally accepted.)

Also see Golden Age of Roman Drama