- Cinthio's "Hecatommithi": William Shakespeare may have been influenced by the story "Un Capitano Moro," which appears in Giraldi Cinthio's collection of short stories "Hecatommithi." This particular story contains elements similar to Shakespeare's play, including a jealous Moor who murders his innocent wife and later discovers the truth too late.
- Italian Novella Tradition: Shakespeare was likely influenced by the tradition of Italian novellas popular during the Renaissance. These novellas often featured themes of love, jealousy, revenge, and deception.
- Venetian Culture and History: Shakespeare's portrayal of Venice, including the Venetian government, social customs, and racial attitudes, suggests he may have had some knowledge of Venetian culture and history.
- Travel Literature and Accounts: Shakespeare may have had access to travel accounts and literature about Africa and the Middle East, which could have contributed to his understanding and depiction of racial issues and cultural differences in the play.
- Personal Experiences: It is possible that Shakespeare's own personal experiences, observations of human behavior, and reflections on themes such as love, jealousy, and human nature also contributed to the development of "Othello."
- Cultural Context: The play reflects societal attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes prevalent during Shakespeare's time, which also served as a source of inspiration.
However, it's important to note that Shakespeare's plays were often complex and may have drawn inspiration from multiple sources, making it difficult to definitively identify a single source. Shakespeare's works often combined traditional plot elements, historical references, and contemporary social commentary, resulting in multilayered and multifaceted stories.