A steeple is a tall decorative tower, commonly referred to as a belfry, that is generally attached to an ecclesiastical or public edifice. The steeple is often made up of declining floors and capped by a spire, cupola, or pyramid (q. v.), while the name "steeple" refers to the complete construction in common usage. The term "belfry" comes from the old French word for "bell tower", which is belfriere. The belfry was originally used to raise money by selling off space inside it for shops or apartments. Today, it mostly functions as an advertising device for the church. It is estimated that there are still about 500 operating bells in Europe. Their sound can be heard far beyond the immediate neighborhood of any one church building. The ringing of bells is one of the oldest forms of communication known to man; it can be used for fun, friendship, worship, and alarm. There are many stories about lost items being found through listening to church bells. People believe that because a bell has two ends, it provides a better hearing option for those who wander into churches looking for help. According to myth, the first steeple was built by Adam over Eden. Since then, they have appeared all over the world, most recently in the United States during the Great Revival of 1816-1856. Before that time, they were not common. Today's steeples are the products of technological advances over hundreds of years.