A lyre is an ancient stringed musical instrument that looks something like a small harp you could hold in your arms. Picture a U-shaped frame, usually made of wood or tortoiseshell, with strings stretched between the two arms. Musicians in ancient Greece and Rome played the lyre by plucking or strumming these strings, creating beautiful melodies for poetry, religious ceremonies, and entertainment.

The lyre was so important in ancient Greek culture that it became a symbol of music itself. The god Apollo was often shown carrying one. Poets called lyric poets sang their verses while playing the lyre.

Though people don’t play the lyre much anymore, it shaped music history. If you've ever seen pictures of ancient Greek art or read Greek myths, you've probably spotted someone holding this graceful instrument. The lyre reminds us that people have been making music together and telling stories through song for thousands of years.