Kettle drums first appeared in the Middle East long ago, and with the rise of Islamic Empires in that region, they spread throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. The earliest pictures of kettle drums are from 12th century Mesopotamia. Kettle drums have often been played in pairs as symbols of wealth and status, the smaller ones for music and dance purposes and the larger ones for military purposes. Smaller kettle drums called “naqqāra” were brought back to Europe via the crusades and renamed “nakers,” and during the 15th century large Ottoman drums were brought to Europe as well. The 16th century saw copper-shelled, egg-shaped drums with screwed-in membranous drum heads being made in Europe, taking influence from Africa and the Middle East while spreading throughout Germany and adjacent regions. All 16th century kettle drum music was oral, and during the 17th and 18th centuries kettle drums became a large part of European ceremonial art performances.