Ancient music

Clockwise, from left:
  • The monumental Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, c. 5th century BCE, from Hubei
  • Musicians from a wall in Bonampak, an Ancient Mayan site
  • First-century mosaics from the so-called Villa di Cicerone, Pompeii, in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.

Ancient music refers to the musical cultures and practices that developed in the literate civilizations of the ancient world prior to the early medieval period (before approximately 500 CE). It follows the music of prehistoric societies and precedes the emergence of medieval music during the post-classical era.

Major centers of ancient music developed in China, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran/Persia, the Maya civilization, Mesopotamia, and Rome. Though extremely diverse, the music of ancient civilizations is frequently characterized by monophony, improvisation, and the dominance of text in musical settings.

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