Cymbals can be traced back to prehistoric times. The word cymbal is derived from the Latin word cymbalum which has its origin in the Greek word kumbalom which means small bowl. The British Museum has in its collection two pairs of ancient Egyptian cymbals thirteen centimeters in diameter. One of the pairs of cymbals was found in the coffin of the mummy of Ankhhape, a sacred musician. Cymbals used by the Assyrians were both plate shaped and cup shaped. Cymbals of the Ancient Persians were shaped like big plates and made of brass.
From the Orient to Europe,Cymbals were first introduced into Europe in the Middle Ages by the Saracens, who brought them to Spain and southern Italy. However, at the beginning of the last millennium they disappeared again, probably because the art of hammering had been lost. Despite this, portrayals of cymbals can be found in medieval miniatures up to about the 15th century.
It was not until the 17th century that cymbals returned to Europe, in the wake of the Turkish wars. Turkey had long been famed for the excellence of its cymbal manufacture. The music spread by Turkish military bands (Janissary music) was characterized by noisy and rhythmic instruments such as the bass drum, the side drum, cymbals, the triangle, the tambourine and the bell-tree. European military bands began imitating Janissary music at the beginning of the 18th century.
It was not until the 17th century that cymbals returned to Europe, in the wake of the Turkish wars. Turkey had long been famed for the excellence of its cymbal manufacture. The music spread by Turkish military bands (Janissary music) was characterized by noisy and rhythmic instruments such as the bass drum, the side drum, cymbals, the triangle, the tambourine and the bell-tree. European military bands began imitating Janissary music at the beginning of the 18th century.