What themes were early operas like "Dido and Aeneas" often based on?

Early operas such as "Dido and Aeneas" often drew on classical history or Greek myths as their thematic foundation. This choice reflects the period's fascination with ancient stories and characters, particularly those from Roman and Greek literature. "Dido and Aeneas," for example, is based on the love story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a Trojan hero, which originates from Virgil's epic poem, the "Aeneid."

The use of these themes enabled composers and librettists to explore profound human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of fate and love, which resonates deeply within the broader cultural context of the time. The choice of these classical narratives not only appealed to the intellectual elites of the period but also provided rich material for dramatic expression in the operatic form.