This study chronicles the journey of the mime through the art of mimicry, from its early steps rooted in magical-religious rituals, and later, when it becomes autonomous from ancient drama and carves out its own path as a distinct form of entertainment, whether in public spaces, such as the marketplaces of cities, or as part of the private amusements of the wealthy and noble of a city.

Thus, we trace the path of the mime from classical times in Ancient Greece and the conquests of Greek cities in southern Italy and Sicily, through the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, into modern times up to the 20th century, examining its influence on the great comedians of silent and talkie cinema.