crossword clue ancient stringed instrument – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "ancient stringed instrument," meticulously organized by letter count to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue ancient stringed instrument" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LYRE: A U-shaped instrument with crossbar, played by strumming, prominent in ancient Greece.
HARP: A large stringed instrument played by plucking, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
LUTE: A plucked string instrument with a deep, round back and a fretted neck, popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe, with ancient origins.
5 Letters
SITAR: A long-necked plucked string instrument from the Indian subcontinent, with numerous sympathetic strings.
6 Letters
ZITHER: A broad class of stringed instruments, popular across many ancient cultures, where strings are stretched across a flat body.
7 Letters
KITHARA: An ancient Greek stringed instrument, a type of lyre, used by professional musicians.
More About "ancient stringed instrument"
Ancient stringed instruments played a vital role in the cultural and social lives of early civilizations, serving purposes ranging from religious ceremonies and storytelling to entertainment and accompaniment for poetic recitations. These instruments, often crafted from readily available materials like wood, animal gut, and bone, varied significantly in design and sound across different regions and eras.
From the iconic lyres of ancient Greece and Rome, celebrated in myths and used to accompany epic poetry, to the elaborate harps of Mesopotamia and Egypt, depicted in tomb paintings, these instruments were integral to the identity of their societies. The development of fretted instruments like early lutes and the diverse family of zithers further demonstrates the ingenuity and musical sophistication of ancient peoples.
Understanding these historical instruments not only helps with crossword puzzles but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of music and the enduring human desire for creative expression through sound.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the era: For "ancient" clues, think about instruments commonly associated with classical antiquity, biblical times, or early civilizations rather than modern ones.
- Look for common lengths: Shorter answers like "LYRE" or "LUTE" are very common in crosswords for stringed instruments, so consider these first.
- Think regionally: Sometimes, clues might hint at the origin (e.g., "Greek instrument" or "Egyptian harp"). While our clue is general, remembering regional variations can sometimes unlock answers.
- Utilize cross-references: If you're stuck on "ancient stringed instrument," solve other clues first. The intersecting letters will provide valuable hints and narrow down the possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an instrument "ancient"?
An instrument is considered ancient if its origins trace back to antiquity, often predating modern orchestral instruments. This includes instruments from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other early civilizations.
How can I identify stringed instruments in crosswords?
Look for clues related to "plucked," "bowed," "strummed," "lyre-like," "harp-like," or specific historical periods. Often, shorter answers like LYRE or LUTE are common.
Are there different types of "ancient stringed instruments"?
Yes, they vary widely, including lyres (like the kithara), harps, early lutes, and various zithers. Their construction and playing styles differed across cultures and eras.