Who invented gelato?

Can you shed some light on the origins of gelato? Who exactly was the ingenious mind behind this delightful frozen treat? Did it emerge from the culinary creativity of a single individual, or was it a collective effort that evolved over time? Understanding the history of gelato's invention could offer fascinating insights into the evolution of Italian cuisine and dessert culture. So, who deserves the accolade of being the inventor of gelato, and what factors contributed to its creation?