<P> The history of music in Greece begins with the music of ancient Greece, largely structured on the Lyre and other supporting string instruments of the era . Beyond the well - known structural legacies of the Pythagorean scale, and the related mathematical developments it upheld to define western classical music, relatively little is understood about the precise character of music during this period; we do know, however, that it left, as so often, a strong mark on the culture of Rome . What has been gleaned about the social role and character of ancient Greek music comes largely from pottery and other forms of Greek art . </P> <P> Ancient Greeks believed that dancing was invented by the gods and therefore associated it with religious ceremony . They believed that the gods offered this gift to select mortals only, who in turn taught dancing to their fellow - men . </P> <P> Periodic evidence in ancient texts indicates that dance was held in high regard, in particular for its educational qualities . Dance, along with writing, music, and physical exercise, was fundamental to the commenced in a circle and ended with the dancers facing one another . When not dancing in a circle the dancers held their hands high or waved them to left and right . They held cymbals (very like the zilia of today) or a kerchief in their hands, and their movements were emphasized by their long sleeves . As they danced, they sang, either set songs or extemporized ones, sometimes in unison, sometimes in refrain, repeating the verse sung by the lead dancer . The onlookers joined in, clapping the rhythm or singing . Professional singers, often the musicians themselves, composed lyrics to suit the occasion . </P> <P> The Byzantine music is also of major significance to the history and development of European music, as liturgical chants became the foundation and stepping stone for music of the Renaissance (see: Renaissance Music). It is also certain that Byzantine music included an extensive tradition of instrumental court music and dance; any other picture would be both incongruous with the historically and archaeologically documented opulence of the Eastern Roman Empire . There survive a few but explicit accounts of secular music . A characteristic example is the accounts of pneumatic organs, whose construction was further advanced in the eastern empire prior to their development in the west following the Renaissance . </P>

What does roman culture have in common with greek culture