When an where did the cello first appear?

The cello first appeared in Europe during the 16th century, specifically in Italy. It is believed to have evolved from earlier instruments such as the viola da gamba and the violone, and was developed by Italian luthiers such as Andrea Amati and Gasparo da Salò. The cello quickly gained popularity and spread throughout Europe, becoming an important member of the string family and a staple of classical music ensembles. Today, the cello is recognized for its rich, deep tone and expressive capabilities, and is widely used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and folk music.