Greek theater originated in ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE and was an essential part of their culture. It began as a festival honoring the god Dionysus, where performances included tragedies and comedies. Theaters were typically open-air structures built into hillsides, allowing for natural acoustics and seating for large audiences. The performances featured masks and costumes, which helped convey different characters and emotions. Notable playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides contributed to the rich tradition of Greek drama. These plays often explored themes of fate, morality, and the human condition, influencing modern theater and storytelling.