Naevius, Gnaeus (c. 270–c. 201 BC)

Roman poet and dramatist. He developed Roman low-life comedy and invented historical drama. He produced his first play 235 BC, and was imprisoned 206 for having attacked Scipio Africanus Major and the Metelli on the stage, but obtained his release by recanting. He was soon afterwards compelled to expiate a second offence by exile, and retired to Utica where he died.

Born probably at Capua, Campunia, Naevius was also the author of an epic in Saturnian verse on the First Punic War; it influenced Ennius and was admired by Cicero. Only fragments of his work survive.