Commedia Dell'Arte is a form of Italian theater that originated in the 16th century. It is characterized by its use of stock characters, improvisation, and physical comedy. Performers often wore masks and costumes that represented specific roles, such as the clever servant Arlecchino or the pompous old man Pantalone. The performances typically took place in public spaces and involved a mix of scripted scenarios and spontaneous dialogue. This style of theater influenced many later forms of comedy and drama, including Vaudeville and Modern Theater, making it a significant part of theatrical history.