As Greek theater influenced Roman culture and eventually European traditions, the symbolism of the comedy and tragedy masks endured. The theater masks became synonymous with the dramatic arts ...

One of the funniest works of Roman literature to survive—and the ... “woe,” but to my ear “blimey” captures the hint of comedy better. Before becoming gods, emperors famously died ...

the icon that means comedy worldwide the way two snakes coiled around a staff means medicine and a striped pole means barber. This is the mask the Greeks called Thalia, with its arched eyebrows ...