The origin of the drum is a tool for signalling and for war. The Romans did not use drums to keep step and therefore formation, which was one of their major advantages over thier enemies. However, Asian armies, such as the Parthians and Mongols, did use large drums to make signals or to impress the enemy with their noise. By the 18th century (it might have been Frederick the Great who introduced it) armies were keeping step to drums and fifes.
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Joseph Joubert, 1754-1824 Pensées (1842)
The origin of the drum is a tool for signalling and for war. The Romans did not use drums to keep step and therefore formation, which was one of their major advantages over thier enemies. However, Asian armies, such as the Parthians and Mongols, did use large drums to make signals or to impress the enemy with their noise. By the 18th century (it might have been Frederick the Great who introduced it) armies were keeping step to drums and fifes.