Final answer:
The ancient Greeks were the first to excel in the art of drama, a literary genre where stories are told through action. This tradition originated from rituals honoring Dionysus and eventually led to the distinct forms of tragedy and comedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Greeks were the first masters in the art of drama, the literary genre that tells a story through the imitation of action. Greek culture underwent a significant revolution, moving from oral to literate traditions, allowing for the transcription of stories, plays, and significant ideas, which no longer needed to be memorized. Prominent in the shift was the creation of Greek drama, which emerged from the worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, during which dithyrambs were sung. These evolved into scripted performances that included a chorus narrating stories told by actors. Greek theatre eventually divided into tragedy and comedy, with the former aimed at evoking sympathy and contemplation through pathos, and the latter designed to elicit laughter at the expense of characters' flaws. Aristotle recognized drama's cathartic effect, suggesting that by experiencing intense emotions through plays, citizens could focus on civic duties.