In early medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire made use of military drums to indicate marching and rowing cadence,[2] as well as a psychological weapon on the battlefield since the End of Antiquity.[3] However, in Western Europe, military drums were little observed until the time of the Crusades[4] (p. 19) [5] Western European armies likely first encountered drums used by Byzantine and Islamic military forces, the latter who used primarily their traditional kettledrums, and in battle found that the sound would particularly affect Crusaders' horses, who had not previously encountered them. By the early 13th century, Crusading armies began to adopt military drums and brought back the practice to the West.
From the early 16th century onwards drums became the usual means of passing orders on the European battlefield. Infantry and dragoons (mounted infantry) used side drums and heavy cavalry kettle drums for this purpose. Key signals by multiple or single drummers included general, call, prepare, march, assemble, advance, retreat, etc.[8]
Final use in battle
At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 drums were still in use on active service by some of the more conservative European military forces. These included the Austro-Hungarian K.u.K. Army whose infantry carried aluminium drums painted in pike-grey during the early weeks of combat. The unsuitability of such musical instruments for modern warfare was quickly realised and in September 1914 the drums were withdrawn, and the drummers transferred to other duties.[9]
Civilian music
Over a period of time, Snare drums, as well as timpani, have been adopted into civilian classical and popular music.
Metaphor
In modern times, the term war drums is used as a metaphor for preparation for war.[10][11][12]
