Cithara (Kithara)

The Kithara (Cithara) was an ancient stringed musical instrument resembling the lyre (a simpler two-stringed folk-instrument), but with seven strings and a flat back. A symbol of Apollo, credited with inventing it, the Kithara 's origins were likely Asiatic. The kithara was primarily used by professional musicians, called kitharodes. In modern Greek the word kithara has come to mean "guitar." Also see lyre and chelys.

Kithara Player. Attic Red Figure attributed to the Brygos Painter ca. 490 BC - 470 BC.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

DICTIONARY| OF ROMAN| COINS|

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CITHARA--the harp or lyre. The term is applied to the harp of Apollo, who is said to have invented it. The cithara had seven strings, in accordance with the (then known) number of planets.