Who wrote the first essay and from what source was the essay taken?

The first essay is often attributed to Michel de Montaigne, a French philosopher, who published his collection of essays titled "Essais" in 1580. Montaigne's work was groundbreaking in its personal and introspective style, exploring a wide range of topics including human nature, education, and morality. His essays drew from various sources, including classical literature, personal experience, and contemporary philosophy, marking a significant development in literary form.