Tracing the roots of the piano to the very beginning of consciousness, when man first became aware of sound.
C. 1450s, Hammered Dulcimer
At first believed to be of Persian origin but likely derived from Byzantium, the hammered dulcimer arrived in western Europe during the 15th century (Mid-1400s). A trapeziform box zither closely related to the psaltery, its strings were struck with light beaters, or hammers, instead of plucking or fingering. Two partitioning bridges on the soundboard divided courses of unfretted strings, providing extra chromatic notes. As the instrument evolved, the arrangement strings and additional bridges added to its complexity and versatility, and was likely a great inspiration in pushing the piano to become more expressive.
In many parts of the world, the dulcimer is known by different names, with corresponding attributes.