Pluutarchos

Plutarchos is a genus of ancient Greek comedians, known for their satirical plays and witty wordplay. They were active in the 5th century BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens. The name "Plutarchos" is derived from the Greek word "plouton", meaning "wealth", which may refer to their ability to satirize the wealthy elite.

The most famous Plutarchos was likely Catinus, a renowned comedian and playwright who was known for his biting satire. However, the exact identity of Catinus is not certain, and some scholars believe that he may have been a collective name for the Plutarchos group rather than an individual. Other notable members of the Plutarchos include Pasulus and Phenio.

The plays of the Plutarchos are not well-preserved, and only fragments survive to this day. However, they were known for their clever use of language, wordplay, and absurdity, which were characteristic of ancient Greek comedy. The Plutarchos are often mentioned in the works of other ancient writers, such as Plato and Xenophon, who ridiculed their style and humor.

The Plutarchos were part of a minor form of ancient Greek Comedy known as the hypokrites, or "small comedies". These plays were shorter and more satirical than the more popular komoidiai, or "great comedies", which featured more complex plots and narratives. Despite their limited number of surviving plays, the Plutarchos remain an important part of the history of ancient Greek comedy and a testament to the creativity and wit of the ancient Greeks.