It is thought that the Etruscans possessed histories, poems, and dramas, and, if these, then certainly they knew the Pantomimic Art, out of which, in all probability, their dramatic entertainments grew.  To the Etruscans the Romans owe their early civilization.

The Etruscan era is supposed to have commenced about 1044 B.C., and we are told that the Etruscans shared with the Greeks, and the Phoenicians, the maritime supremacy of the Mediterranean.  In the sepulchral chambers of the Necropolis of Tarquinii, which extends for many miles, there are several scenes painted in the archaic style by the Etruscans, representing the Chase, the Circus, and Dancing Girls.

Soon after its innovation among the Romans, Pantomime spread all over Italy and the provinces.  So attractive did it become in Rome, and so popular, that Tiberius issued a decree forbidding the knights and nobles to frequent their houses of entertainment, or to be seen walking in the streets with them.  Trajan also oppressed and banished the Pantomimists.  Under Caligula, however, they were received with great favour, and Aurelius made them priests of Apollo.  Nero, who carried everything to the extremity of foolishness, was not content in patronising the Pantomimes, but must needs assist, and appear himself, as a Mimi.  Here again, in Nero, another claimant as the author of Pantomime has been put forward.

“So great (observes Gaston Vuillier, in his ‘History of Dancing,’) was the admiration for Pylades and Bathyllus that the theatrical supporters clothed themselves in different liveries, and broils in the public streets were of frequent occurrence.”  “The rivalries of Pylades and Bathyllus,” says De Laulnaye, “occupied the Romans as much as the gravest affairs of state.  Every citizen was a Bathyllian or a Pyladian.”  Augustus reproved Pylades on one occasion for his quarrels with Bathyllus.  The Mime retorted, “It is well for you that the people are engrossed by our disputes; their attention is thus diverted from your actions.”  A bold retort, but it shows how important these Mimes were.  The banishment of Pylades brought about an insurrection, and the Emperor had to recall him.

Cassius attributes the disgrace of Pylades to the intrigues of Bathyllus, Suetonius to his effrontery; for on one occasion, when acting Hercules, annoyed by the criticism of the spectators, he tore off his mask, and shouted to them:  “Fools, I am acting a madman.”  They thought his gestures too extravagant.  Another time he shot off arrows amongst the spectators.  Amongst other privileges extended by the Emperor Augustus to the Mimis was being exempt from magisterial control and immunity from military serving.