Menecmi Comedy of Plautus: A Discussion between Literature and History Connected to the City of Durr

Abstract

Menecmi is one of the best comedies of Plautus. The twin sons of Mosco and Teussimarca, originating of Syracuse, are divided into age of seven by a strange fate combination The twin brother of Syracuse is looking for land and sea his brother, and finally arrive to Epidamnos (today named Durrës) where it is settling the whole comedy. In it the author mention different elements of the city. Starting from the port, even where it is anchored navis praedatoria. Then recounting the death of his adoptive father's Menaechmus of Epidamnos the author mention that, drowned in a raging river that passes by the city. This river, which also exists today is Erzeni. Another element of the city is the forum. The presence of customs, it can be deduced from the fact that in the middle of a fight of jealousy between Menaechmus of Epidamnos and his wife, he says Portinorem domum duxi, ita omnem mihi. Another institution mentioned in the text is the prison. In the city, always from the text, it can deduce the existence of monetary circulation, as mina, sestertius, etc. Another element is the presence of different professions held in the city as: doctor, jeweler, auctioneer, porter, cook, customs officer etc. So Epidamnos is represented as a real metropolis, with its strengths and weaknesses as its twin in Greece or ancient Rome.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n3s1p272