Titinius (poet)

Titinius was a Roman poet, known primarily for his contributions to Roman comedy. He is generally considered one of the major figures of togata, a genre of Roman comedy that adapted Greek New Comedy to a Roman setting and using Roman characters and themes. The togata was distinguished by the toga, the distinctive Roman garment worn by citizens, hence the name of the genre.

Unfortunately, only fragments of Titinius' work survive, mostly preserved through quotations by later authors, especially grammarians preserving archaic or interesting uses of language. These fragments offer a glimpse into the themes and style of his comedies, revealing a focus on everyday Roman life, customs, and social interactions. Recurring themes found in the fragments include domestic affairs, love, business, and legal matters.

Due to the fragmentary nature of his works, a comprehensive understanding of Titinius's comedic style and specific contributions to the togata is difficult to achieve. However, the extant fragments indicate a sophisticated and witty writer capable of capturing the nuances of Roman society. He is often mentioned alongside other notable togata playwrights such as Afranius and Atta, solidifying his place in the history of Roman literature, even if only in a fragmented form.