The name lyre is ancient, and first found in Linear B Greek, while excavations of the instrument date back as far as 2500 BCE. The lyre may be regarded as a more sophisticated multi-string bow. Later instruments that expanded on this basic design are the zither, lute and guitar.
The lyre has a set of strings set in a frame, and a soundbox to increase the loudness of the strings.
A depiction of a lyre - Standard of Ur (2600–2400 BCE)
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyre
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYQmJM3r3Bs