We now meet with the national tragedy (-praetexta-), the creation of Naevius, only in the hands of Pacuvius to be mentioned immediately-- an after-growth of the Ennian epoch.

Among the probably numerous poets who imitated Greek tragedies two alone acquired a considerable name.

Marcus Pacuvius from Brundisium (535-c.

625) who in his earlier years earned his livelihood in Rome by painting and only composed tragedies when advanced in life, belongs as respects both his years and his style to the sixth rather than the seventh century, although his poetical activity falls within the latter.

He composed on the whole after the manner of his countryman, uncle, and master Ennius.