Terence, Phormio

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Terence’s

Phormio

was originally produced during the Roman Games (

Ludi Romani

) of 161 BC and is the only Terentian play not entitled after its Greek model,

Epidicazomenos

(the Claimant) of Apollodorus from Carystos.

The plot

The plot

Demipho and Chremes, two well-to-do Athenians, make a journey to Cilicia and Lemnos respectively, entrusting the custody of their young sons, Antipho and Phaedria, to the slave Geta. During their fathers’ absence both young men fall in love: Antipho becomes infatuated with Phanium, a penniless orphan, whereas Phaedria falls for a music girl, owned by the pimp Dorio. Taking advantage of the epikleros law, Phormio, a parasite, helps Antipho by claiming that the latter is Phanium’s next of kin and thus, when brought to court, Antipho is obliged to marry

2810 words

Citation: Karakasis, Evangelos. "Phormio". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 August 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=13477, accessed 19 March 2024.]

13477 Phormio 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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