archimimus

Updated: May 16, 2025

Their powers enabled them to perform a more extraordinary office; for they appear to have been introduced into funerals to mimic the person, and even the language of the deceased. Suetonius describes an archimimus accompanying the funeral of Vespasian.

R. J. Broadbent - A History of Pantomime

Such mimes as these were often held at banquets for the amusement of great men. Sulla was passionately fond of them. Admitted to the stage, they naturally took the place of interludes or afterpieces. Thus arose the distinction of parts and dialogue; the chief actor was called Archimimus, and the mime was then developed after the example of the Atellanae.

Charles Thomas Cruttwell - The History of Roman Literature : From the earliest period to the death of Marcus Aurelius

Roman Theatres Description "Deadheads" Pantomime in Italy Livius Andronicus Fabulae Atellanae Extemporal Comedy Origin of the Masque, Opera, and Vaudeville Origin of the term Histrionic Etruscans Popularity of Pantomime in Italy Pantomimists banished by Trajan Nero as a Mime Pylades and Bathyllus Subjects chosen for the Roman Pantomimes The Ballet The Mimi and Pantomimi Archimimus Vespasian Harlequin "Mr.

R. J. Broadbent - A History of Pantomime

This archimimus performed his part admirably, not only representing the person, but imitating, according to custom, ut est mos, the manners and language of the living Emperor. He contrived a happy stroke at the prevailing foible of Vespasian, when he enquired the cost of all this funeral pomp "Ten million of sesterces!"

R. J. Broadbent - A History of Pantomime