Various civilizations contributed to the development and spread of guitar-like instruments:
- Egypt: The Egyptians had the four-stringed lute called the nefer as early as 2000 BC.
- Mesopotamia: The Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia played the four-stringed lute known as the tambur dating back to 3500 BC.
- Greece: Ancient Greek musicians had the kithara and the lyre, instruments commonly associated with Apollo, the god of music and poetry.
- Rome: The Romans used a guitar-like instrument called the cithara, influenced by the Greek kithara.
- Europe: During the Middle Ages in Europe, various plucked instruments emerged, including the guitarra latina, mandora, and vihuela. These instruments gradually developed into the guitar we know today.
It's difficult to pinpoint a single inventor or civilization that created the guitar in its modern form, as it underwent continuous modifications, contributions, and influences throughout history. The modern guitar we are familiar with today is a product of this long evolutionary process.