[Born at Cephissia, near Athens, B.C. 342. Died probably at Athens,
B.C. 290. Aged 52.]
The model writer of “The New Comedy,” which substituted for the
personalities of the “Ancient Comedy,” a more faithful portraiture of
the vices and follies of men. A few fragments only remain of his
numerous works. His plays are said to have presented a most true and
lively reflexion of the manners and morals of his age. He had many
imitators amongst the Greeks and Romans, and Plautus and Terence
profited by his writings. Only eight of his plays were crowned. He was
probably in advance of his time and audience.
[For account of this statue, see Handbook to Greek Court, No. 290.]