This study book offers an extensive history of Roman drama in the Republic, with special attention to Plautus and Terence. It investigates the origins of Roman dramatic forms, including tragedy, praetexta, comedy, togata, Atellana, mime, and pantomime. The fragmentary sources, apart from the preserved works of Plautus and Terence, are critically analyzed and placed within their historical, social, and institutional contexts. The book identifies general features and describes developments within the different genres. Thanks to its clear structure and extensive bibliography, this reference work is indispensable for students and researchers of Latin literature and ancient drama.