Roman theatre began around 240 B.C. and most dramas were translations or imitations of Greek plays. While broader forms of entertainment such as athletic events, music, dance and chariot races played a pivotal role in Roman life, theatrical forms included mime and farce, with comedy being more popular than tragedy. Only some of the comedies of Plautus and Terence survive today, yet no tragic works have survived. Like the Greeks before them, the Romans performed plays at religious festivals in honour of their Gods. Roman theatres were huge architectural structures, of which several exist to this day. This page includes a series of Roman theatre resources for students and teachers. – Justin Cash
Roman Theatre Resources
Series of Roman theatre resources for students from Encyclopedia.com including the beginning of Roman theatre (external influences), mime and pantomime, comedy, and actors, playwrights, and troupes.
Article discussing the spectacle of Roman theatre including adaptations and inspirations, notable playwrights and plays, tragedies and comedies, characters, and masks and costumes.
10 must see Roman amphitheatres with images, including list and map of the surviving amphitheatres throughout the Roman world.
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick summary of Roman theatre from comedy and spectacle to closet tragedy and the nature of the stage.
Reprint of an early 20th century academic lecture on Roman theatre.
Academic article about Greek and Roman comedy.
Article examining the spectacular architecture of the Roman theatre of Orange (and another one with beautiful images).
Drama and theatre in ancient rome including pantomime, dramatic performances, Plautus, early and later Roman theatres, amphitheatres etc.
Wikipedia entry on Roman theatre structures.
Examples of Roman theatres which survive today with images and floorplans etc.
Article about Roman theatre as entertainment, the influence of mythological stories and the ancient Greeks, and dance.
Introduction to Roman theatre stagecraft.
Multimedia look at many aspects of Roman theatre including origins, culture, identity, genres, characters etc.
Overview of Roman theatre including festivals, tragedy, comedy, theatre design, and actors.
Article discussing many aspects of Roman theatre from its origins and buildings to producers, directors and actors.
Wikipedia article on the theatre of ancient Rome including the orgins of Roman theatre, tragedy, comedy, stock characters, stage and physical space, actors and notable Roman playwrights such as Pautus and Terence.
Article discussing the development of Roman theatre and mime.
Theatre and amphitheatre in the Roman world from The Met Museum.
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