What literary period did first female poets come into the scene?

It's difficult to pinpoint an exact "period" where "first female poets" emerged, as women have been writing poetry throughout history. However, we can look at different historical periods and the societal context that influenced their visibility and recognition:

* Ancient Times: While many ancient female poets' works were lost or attributed to men, we know of some significant figures like Sappho (ancient Greece), Enheduanna (ancient Mesopotamia), and Corinna (ancient Greece). Their existence shows that women were writing poetry, even if their work wasn't widely circulated or recognized as equal to men's.

* Medieval Period: Many female writers contributed to the development of religious poetry and courtly literature, though often anonymously or under the patronage of male figures. Some known figures include Hildegard von Bingen (Germany) and Christine de Pizan (France).

* Renaissance: While the Renaissance saw a flowering of literary activity, it was still a patriarchal society. Women were often confined to domestic spheres, making it challenging for them to publish their work. However, some notable poets emerged like Veronica Franco (Italy) and Anna Bijns (Netherlands).

* 17th and 18th Centuries: The Enlightenment period brought about some changes in societal attitudes, but women still faced significant challenges in publishing their work and gaining recognition. Some noteworthy poets of this period include Aphra Behn (England), Anne Finch (England), and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (England).

* 19th Century: The Romantic period witnessed a growing awareness of women's rights, and many female poets found their voice and published their work. This era saw figures like Mary Shelley (England), Emily Dickinson (USA), and Christina Rossetti (England).

* 20th and 21st Centuries: The 20th century saw the rise of feminist movements, which further challenged traditional patriarchal structures and allowed women's voices to be heard in literature more than ever before. Poets like Sylvia Plath (USA), Adrienne Rich (USA), and Maya Angelou (USA) broke down barriers and challenged traditional forms of poetry.

It's important to recognize that women have always been writing poetry, even if their work wasn't widely recognized or attributed to them. The visibility and recognition of female poets have evolved over time, and their contributions continue to be celebrated and studied today.