Titus Macchius Plautus (/ˈplɔːəs/; c. 254 – 184 BC), often known as Plautus, was a playwright in Ancient Rome. He was probably born in Sarsina (a city in Emilia-Romagna). His comedies are among the earliest works of Latin literature that has not been lost. He is also one of the earliest writers of musical theater.