When was the first advertisement printed?

While the exact first advertisement is debated, the earliest known printed advertisement is believed to be a handbill printed in England in 1480, advertising a prayer book.

This handbill was printed by William Caxton, who was also the first English printer.

It's important to note that other forms of advertising, such as town criers and painted signs, existed long before printing, but this 1480 handbill marks the beginning of printed advertisements.