Terence (fl. 166-160 BCE), full name Publius Terentius Afer, Latin playwright. Terence was probably born in Carthage and brought to Rome as a slave. He was placed in the house of Terentius Lucanus, a senator, who emancipated him and saw that he was well educated.

Between the age of 18 and 25, Terence wrote six plays, Andria, Hecya, Heauton Timorumenos, Eunuchus, Phormio and Adelphoe. Shortly after the production of Adelphoe, Terence left on a ship on a voyage and was never seen again.