History of Bell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 23, 2025

A bell is a percussion instrument, specifically a directly struck idiophone. Typically shaped like a hollow cup, it vibrates upon being struck, producing a resonant tone. The striking mechanism can be an internal clapper, an external hammer, or a small enclosed sphere. The bell's design effectively utilizes its sides as a resonator, amplifying the sound produced by the strike.

1978: Discovery of Zhong bells

In 1978 a complete ceremonial set of 65 Zhong bells was found in a near-perfect state of preservation during the excavation of the tomb of Marquis Yi, ruler of Zeng.

1997: Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales

In 1997, at the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, half-muffles were used to give a full open sound on one round, and a muffled sound on the alternate round for a distinctive, mournful effect.

1999: New bell design announced

In 1999 a new bell design without the bulge was announced by scientists at the Technical University in Eindhoven.

2000: Metal bells appear

In 2000 BCE the earliest metal bells appear in West Asia, with one found in the Taosi site and four in the Erlitou site.

2000: Marquis Yi bells can sound a 12-tone scale

In 2000, the bells of Marquis Yi—which were still fully playable after almost 2500 years—cover a range of slightly less than five octaves but thanks to their dual-tone capability, the set can sound a complete 12-tone scale.

2000: Ancient Chinese bronze chime bells

The ancient Chinese bronze chime bells called bianzhong or zhong / zeng (鐘) were used as polyphonic musical instruments and some have been dated at between 2000 and 3600 years old.