When were tragedies first written and produced?

Tragedies were first written and produced in ancient Greece between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. They were a major form of ancient Greek drama, alongside comedies and satyr plays. The earliest known tragedies were written by Thespis of Icaria, who is credited with introducing the first actor to stand opposite the chorus and engage in dialogue. Other notable early tragedians include Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. These playwrights wrote and produced numerous tragedies based on Greek myths and historical events, which continue to be studied and performed today for their literary and dramatic significance.