Here's a breakdown:
* The earliest bowed instruments: These were essentially bowed versions of the rebec, a medieval string instrument.
* The viola da gamba: This instrument, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, was played on the leg and had a mellower sound than the rebec. Its influence is seen in the violin's construction and playing technique.
* The lira da braccio: This Italian instrument, played on the arm, featured a smaller size and a brighter sound than the viola da gamba. It played a crucial role in the development of the violin's shape and size.
* The violino: A smaller version of the viola da gamba, the violino was a direct ancestor of the violin. It possessed a more high-pitched and brighter sound, paving the way for the violin's signature sound.
While the violin doesn't have a single direct ancestor, these Italian instruments, especially the violino, contributed significantly to its evolution. The violin's development involved a gradual refinement of these instruments, leading to a unique instrument with a distinctive tone and playing style.