One of the primary uses of drums in ancient Greek culture was in religious and ceremonial practices. Drums were often played during rituals dedicated to the gods, especially in the cults of Cybele and Bacchus (Dionysus). The kymbala, a type of drum or cymbal, and other percussion instruments were associated with ecstatic and frenzied worship, which was a hallmark of Dionysian rites. The rhythmic sound of drums helped to induce a trance-like state among worshippers, facilitating the ritualistic connection between the human and divine realms. In these contexts, drums were used to heighten the emotional intensity of the ceremony and were seen as a means of invoking divine presence and favor.

In military contexts, drums were also important, particularly in the form of war drums that were used to signal movements or rally troops. While the ancient Greeks are more commonly associated with the use of trumpets and horns for military purposes, percussion instruments like drums could have been used to maintain rhythm and coordination during battle or on the march. The sound of drums served to unite soldiers, maintain discipline, and communicate messages during combat or military parades.

Drums were also utilized in theatrical performances, particularly in Greek drama. In certain performances, especially those involving choruses or ecstatic dances, drums helped to emphasize the rhythm of the performance, setting the pace for the dancers and actors. The presence of drums in these performances also mirrored the themes of ritual and myth, particularly when the drama involved gods or divine figures like Dionysus, whose cult was strongly associated with ecstatic, rhythmic, and sometimes frenetic performances.