1. "Sumerian Hymn to Nanna"
This ancient Sumerian song dates back to around 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest known pieces of music in the world. The hymn is dedicated to the Mesopotamian moon god Nanna and is composed of lyrics and musical notation. Despite being over 4,000 years old, the exact melody remains unknown due to its fragile nature. In 2015, archaeologists discovered a 3,800-year-old clay tablet containing fragments of the hymn's lyrics.
2. "Seikilos Epitaph"
Composed around 200 BC, this ancient Greek song is inscribed on a tombstone in modern-day Turkey. The epitaph is considered one of the oldest complete songs ever found, with its melody and lyrics surviving remarkably well over time. Despite being discovered in 1883, the exact performance details remain unclear due to the limitations of archaeological technology. However, it is believed that the song was likely sung by a single musician.
3. "Hymn to Nanna (Fragment)"
Dating back to around 3500 BC, this Sumerian hymn fragment contains some of the oldest known musical notation in the world. The lyrics and symbols were discovered on a clay tablet in the ancient city of Ur, Mesopotamia. Although the original melody is lost, scholars have recreated various interpretations of the piece using similar ancient music styles. This fragment provides valuable insights into the musical practices of ancient civilizations.
4. "The Hurrian Hymn to Nikkal"
Composed around 1400 BC, this ancient Sumerian song was dedicated to the Mesopotamian goddess Nikkal. The hymn's lyrics and notation were discovered on a collection of clay tablets in 1973. It is considered one of the oldest known examples of Western music with complex harmonies and melodies. Scholars believe that this piece may have influenced later musical styles, including Greek and Roman chants.
5. "Epic of Gilgamesh"
Dating back to around 2100 BC, this ancient Mesopotamian epic poem contains some of the oldest known lyrics in the world. The song's melodies and harmonies were likely based on ancient Sumerian music traditions. Although not strictly a musical composition, the Epic of Gilgamesh is an early example of a long narrative song that has been passed down through generations.
6. "The Seikilos Songbook"
Composed around 200 BC, this collection of songs and lyrics is considered one of the oldest known Greek songbooks. The book contains various songs for different occasions, including weddings, funerals, and celebrations. It provides valuable insights into ancient Greek musical practices and remains an important artifact for musicologists.
7. "Pygmalion's Song"
Dating back to around 200 BC, this ancient Greek song was composed by the mythological sculptor Pygmalion. The lyrics were discovered on a tombstone in modern-day Greece and are considered one of the oldest known examples of a song with a clear narrative structure. Scholars believe that this piece may have influenced later Greek musical styles.
8. "The Sumerian King List"
Composed around 2100 BC, this ancient Sumerian text contains some of the oldest known musical notation in the world. The list is an ancient tablet listing kings of Sumer and their various accomplishments. Although not strictly a songbook, it provides valuable insights into the music traditions of ancient Mesopotamia.
9. "The Delphic Hymns"
Dating back to around 1280 BC, these ancient Greek hymns were inscribed on marble stele in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. The hymns are considered some of the oldest known examples of Western musical notation and provide valuable insights into ancient Greek musical practices.
10. "The Sumerian Ritual Hymn"
Composed around 2500 BC, this ancient Sumerian song was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Enlil. The lyrics were discovered on a collection of clay tablets in 1973 and are considered one of the oldest known examples of a ritual song in ancient Mesopotamia. Scholars believe that this piece may have influenced later musical styles, including ancient Greek and Roman chants.