The Menaechmi is a comedy about mistaken identity, involving a set of twins, Menaechmus of Epidamnus and Menaechmus of Syracuse. It incorporates various Roman stock characters including the parasite, the comic courtesan, the comic slave, the domineering wife, the doddering father-in-law and the quack doctor.

The Menaechmi is a comedic play about mistaken identity, a misplaced twin, and the turbulent relationship between an unhappy husband and his unhappier...

The Menaechmi is perhaps Plautus’ greatest comedy and the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. The foundation for the trope of long-lost twins, The …

MOSCHUS, a merchant of Syracuse, had two twin sons who exactly resembled each other. One of these, whose name was Menaechmus, when a child, accompanied his father to Tarentum, at which place he was stolen and carried away to Epidamnus, where in course of time he has married a wealthy wife.

But now I'm going directly to Menaechmus; whither for this long time I have been sentenced, thither of my own accord I am going, that he may enchain me. For, by my troth, this man does not nourish persons, but he quite rears and reinvigorates …

Plautus’ source for the Menaechmi (“The Twins Named Menaechmus”) is unknown. The play’s clever plot, which hinges on the confusion caused by mistaken identity, was borrowed by Shakespeare for his Comedy of Errors.

The Menaechmi is arguably one of his most famous plays, and modern readers can see its influence on classic works such as Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors or Twelfth...

Apr 11, 2025 · The Brothers Menaechmus is an ancient Roman play, a classic comedy by the playwright Plautus. It highlights issues of identity, family connections, and the confusion that arises from misunderstandings.

Plautus, Menaechmi (translation based on a production at Rhodes College) Cast Peniculus, a moocher Menaechmus 1 Menaechmus 2, his twin (AKA Sosicles) Messenio, servant of Menaechmus 2 Erotium, a courtesan Cylindrus, Erotium's cook A maid (Ancilla), Erotium's maid A married lady (Matrona), wife of Menaechmus 1 An old man (Senex), father of wife of Menaechmus 1 A doctor (Medicus) Setting ...

Hic fuerat alitus ille surrepticius. Eumque appellant meretrix, uxor et socer. I se cognoscunt fratres postremo invicem. PROLOGVS. mihi atque vobis, spectatores, nuntio. quaeso ut benignis accipiatis auribus. quam potero in verba conferam paucissuma. non atticissat, verum sicilicissitat. tantum ad narrandum argumentum adest benignitas.