Which poet invented the form terza rima?

The form of terza rima is generally attributed to Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet who used it for his epic poem *The Divine Comedy*.

While it's possible that earlier poets may have experimented with the form, Dante is credited with fully developing and popularizing terza rima. His use of the intricate rhyme scheme (ABA BCB CDC...) and the consistent three-line stanzas made it a defining feature of his work and influenced countless other poets.