The Captiva and the Mostellaria

The Captiva and the Mostellaria by Titus Maccius Plautus bursts with ancient wit, sharp social satire, and the fast-moving comic plots that made Plautus a cornerstone of Roman theatre. This audiobook presents two of Plautus’s celebrated comedies—The Captiva (Captivi) and The Mostellaria (The Haunted House)—rendered in a readable literal translation and accompanied by illuminating notes for modern listeners. Set in the vibrant world of Republican Rome and adapted from Greek New Comedy, these plays explore themes of mistaken identity, slavery and freedom, family bonds, and the clever schemes of parasites and servants. Expect rapid-fire dialogue, disguises and reversals, and a lively ensemble of characters—from earnest fathers and captive sons to roguish parasites and conniving housemates—whose antics reveal both timeless humor and the social tensions of ancient life. Ideal for students of Latin and classical drama, lovers of historical theatre, and anyone drawn to authoritative translations of ancient texts, this audiobook in the Languages category is both a scholarly resource and an entertaining performance. Listen to experience Plautus’s enduring theatrical craft and discover why his comedies continue to delight audiences over two millennia later.