The first timpani were brought to southern and western Europe in the 13th century by Crusaders and Saracens, from where they spread quickly to the north. These instruments (known in Arabic as naqqâra) were pairs of kettledrums about 20–22 cm in diameter.

What year were the timpani first used in?

The first 'machine' timpani, with a single tuning handle, was developed in 1812. The first pedal timpani originated in Dresden in the 1870s and are called Dresden timpani for this reason.

What country did the timpani originate from?

We know that the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews and other people used percussion instruments similar to the timpani. In particular, the ancient Greek instruments were called tympanon, which became the origin of the word timpani.