Where did operas originate?

Operas originated in late 16th-century Italy, specifically Florence. The first operas were performed in the early 17th century and were initially referred to as "dramma per musica" (drama set to music). The creators of these early operas were part of the Florentine Camerata, a group of intellectuals, artists, and musicians dedicated to reviving ancient Greek drama. They believed that music could enhance drama by setting texts to a musical score and exploring human emotions through melodic structures and musical expression.