During regular archaeological digs, several flutes from the European Upper Paleolithic period were found in caves in the Swabian Alb region of Germany. Scientists in England and Germany tested the flutes separately, confirming they are real artifacts from the Aurignacian archaeological culture. These flutes were made between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago.
Prehistoric music, also known as primitive music, is a term used in music history to describe all music made by cultures without written language during prehistory, which began in the very late geological past. Prehistoric music was followed by ancient music in different parts of the world, but it still exists in some remote areas today. However, it is more common to refer to the “prehistoric” music that continues today as folk, indigenous, or traditional music.
Information about the music of the ancient Celts from the La Tène period and their Gallo-Roman and Romano-British descendants during Late Antiquity depends mostly on Greek and Roman writings, as well as on archaeological discoveries and how people interpret them, such as rebuilding ancient instruments. Most of the written records focus on military battles and the most well-known Celtic instrument from that time, the carnyx.
The earliest music used in synagogues was based on the same system as the music used in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Talmud, Joshua ben Hananiah, who had worked in the Levitical choir of the Temple, described how the singers moved from the orchestra near the altar to the synagogue, taking part in both services. Ancient sources, both from the Bible and later times, list the following instruments used in the Temple: • the nevel, a harp with 12 strings • the kinnor, a lyre with 10 strings • the shofar, a hollowed ram’s horn • the chatzutzera, a silver trumpet • the tof, a small drum • the metziltayim, or cymbals • the paamon, a bell • the halil, a large flute The Mishna states that the regular Temple orchestra included 12 instruments, and the choir had 12 male singers.
Persian traditional music, also called Iranian traditional music or Persian classical music, is the classical music of Iran, which was once known as Persia. It includes features that developed over the country’s classical, medieval, and modern times. This music also influenced areas that are part of Greater Iran.
Music from ancient India can be found in written works from the Indian classical period, such as the Nātya Shastra. Examples of religious music, like the hymns in the Samaveda, also survive today. Musical instruments from very old times have been found during archaeological digs.
The music of ancient Rome was an important part of Roman culture from the beginning. Songs, called “carmen,” were used in many social events. For example, the Secular Ode by Horace was written by Augustus and performed by a group of children at the Secular Games in 17 BC.
Music was an important part of ancient Greek life, appearing in events like weddings, funerals, religious rituals, theater, folk songs, and the recitation of long stories in a poetic style. It played a key role in daily life. Some pieces of written music notes, descriptions in ancient texts, images on pottery, and archaeological findings help us understand what Greek music sounded like, its role in society, how musicians were supported, and the importance of trained musicians.
The Divje Babe flute, also known as tidldibab, is a cave bear bone with holes drilled in it. It was found in 1995 during organized archaeological work led by the Institute of Archaeology of the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts near Cerkno in northwestern Slovenia. Scientists believe Neanderthals may have made it as a musical instrument, and it is sometimes called the Neanderthal flute.
A lur, also called a lure or lurr, is a long musical instrument made of natural materials. It has no holes for fingers and is played by holding it in the mouth like a brass instrument. Lurs can be straight or curved in different shapes.