In which century did operas begin?

Operas originated in the late 16th century, making this period significant in the development of the art form. Opera emerged from the earlier traditions of theatrical musical performance and was initially developed in Italy, influenced by the Renaissance's emphasis on humanism and dramatic storytelling. The first known opera, "Dafne," composed by Jacopo Peri in 1597, marked a key moment in music history.

While the art form evolved significantly in the following centuries, especially throughout the 17th and 18th centuries with the contributions of composers like Monteverdi and later Handel and Mozart, the roots of opera can indeed be traced back to the late 16th century. This understanding provides a strong context for how opera developed and flourished into what we recognize today as a rich and complex genre in music.