"The cittern or cithren (Fr. cistre, It. cetra, Ger. Cister, Sp. cistro, cedra, cĂtola) is a stringed instrument dating from the Renaissance. Modern scholars debate its ...
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exact history, but it is generally accepted that it is descended from the Medieval citole (or cytole). It looks much like the modern-day flat-back mandolin and the modern Irish bouzouki, and is descended from the English guitar. Its flat-back design was simpler and cheaper to construct than the lute. It was also easier to play, smaller, less delicate and more portable. Played by all classes, the cittern was a premier instrument of casual music-making much as is the guitar today." - (en.wikipedia.org 18.05.2020)