string-controlled objects, including string-operated figures of wood manipulated to act as if kneading bread, were used in Egypt as early as 2000 BC. Wire-controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory have been found in Egyptian tombs. Marionette puppetry was used in rituals and ceremonies in ancient times and is still used today.

Puppetry was practiced in Ancient Greece and the oldest written records of puppetry can be found in the works