Mechanical instruments like the piano are not a wholly modern idea. The earliest pipe-organs were built over 2,200 years ago, by Ctesibius of Alexandria, in Egypt. Air pressure was provided by pumps and maintained by the raised water level in a cistern.
Some Roman instruments used bellows only. These remains discovered at Aquincum may be from a small pneumatic instrument of this type. An inscribed metal plate dates it to the year AD 228.
Organs had widespread usage, in the home, in theatres and at other events. Larger versions up to 6 ft (2 m) high were a popular attraction at public spectacles such as gladiatorial combats and chariot-racing. Admired and valued for their power, they were evidently much louder than this chamber instrument.
In their domestic setting smaller types must have been played not only solo but also to enable players to accompany their own songs.
