Frischlin, Nikodemus

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Nikodemus Frischlin (nēkōdā´mŏŏs frĬsh´lĬn), 1547–90, German satirist and philologist. His dramas, written in Latin and seemingly dealing with antique or biblical subjects, were in fact merciless anti-Catholic and political polemics. His Julius redivivus (1584), a comedy in the style of Aristophanes, brings Olympian gods onto German soil, where they discuss contemporary figures. He was imprisoned for his attacks on local aristocrats and died while attempting an escape.