Mime is one of the oldest forms of performance and storytelling, dating back to prehistoric times when cavemen would communicate through gestures without language. It developed through ancient Greek and Roman theatre, reaching popularity during the Renaissance period with Commedia dell'Arte street performances. Modern mime builds on these traditions but has also incorporated new techniques from film, theatre, and other art forms to tell stories through movement and gestures without words. Some famous early mimes who helped develop the art form include Charlie Chaplin, Marcel Marceau, and members of France's post-World War 2 mime movement.