Changes

It dates back at least as far as the third millennium B.C. in [[Mesopotamia]] and appeared in the [[Greek]] world in the earliest times. [[Greek Mythology]] has it being invented by [[Hermes]] with its greatest exponent being [[Orpheus]].  With its big brother, the Kithara, it became the most popular instrument of the classical Greek and Roman cultures.

It dates back at least as far as the third millennium B.C. in [[Mesopotamia]] and appeared in the [[Greek]] world in the earliest times. [[Greek Mythology]] has it being invented by [[Hermes]] with its greatest exponent being [[Orpheus]].  With its big brother, the Kithara, it became the most popular instrument of the classical Greek and Roman cultures.

It managed to sidestep the early [[Christian]] disfavour of non-vocal music and began appearing in Christian [[Europe] in the late 7th century, aided by its increasing regard as the instrument of [[King David]]. The number of strings increased from three or four to seven. Illustrations have the player seated, his left hand against the strings, his right hand holding a plectrum.  

It managed to sidestep the early [[Christian]] disfavour of non-vocal music and began appearing in Christian [[Europe]] in the late 7th century, aided by its increasing regard as the instrument of [[King David]]. The number of strings increased from three or four to seven. Illustrations have the player seated, his left hand against the strings, his right hand holding a plectrum.  

The lyre is still played as a folk instrument in and around [[Ethiopia]].

The lyre is still played as a folk instrument in and around [[Ethiopia]].