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Although the time frame is unclear, we can say that Roman theatre at least dates back to before 534 BC when the Greek playwright Thepsis began to write the first tragedy plays. Roman theatre was heavily inspired by this earlier Greek practice and many stories told in it were derived directly from old Greek play or tales, even down to their clothing. It is assumed that Roman theatrical tradition continued until the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and it’s counterpart the Byzantine Empire. In other words, the Roman Theatre borrowed many ideas and improved or adapted them. This plays that were wrote in during the Roman Theatre were much less philosophical and they involved a lot more than just drama. As the Romans lived for entertainment , the plays would always involve as much entertainment as possible. Acrobatics, gladiators, jugglers, athletics, chariot races, boxing, animal fights and even sex on stage were all very common while watching a Roman play. The three major influences on Roman Theatre were the Greek drama, the Etruscan influence that emphasized more on circus like elements and also Fabulus Atellana. Roman Theatre may also have influenced commedia dell ‘Arte. The three most known playwrights were: Seneca, Terence and Plautus, which are all included in sections found later on in this website.