Theatre history traces the development of performance arts from ancient times to the present. It began in ancient civilizations like Greece, where playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides created foundational works. The Roman Empire later adapted these traditions, leading to the rise of various theatrical forms across cultures. During the Middle Ages, theatre evolved with religious plays, while the Renaissance sparked a revival of classical ideas, giving rise to figures like Shakespeare. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the emergence of diverse styles, including realism and musical theatre, shaping modern performance practices we see today.