5 facts you need to know about music in Ancient Greece

·

From establishing the first music school in Crete to religious celebrations, these are 5 facts you need to know about music in Ancient Greece.

1. Music as a gift of the gods:

In Ancient Greece, music was seen as a gift of the gods and they considered that music could have a valuable effect on both body and mind of the listener.

The invention of musical instruments was attributed to specific deities including the lyre to Hermes, the flute to Athena and the panpipes to Pan.

2. Music and Education:

According to historical evidence, Greeks started studying the theory of music from the 6th century BC. The earliest surviving text on music is the Harmonic Elements of Aristoxenos, which was written in the 4th century BC.

Music was strongly tied to education in Ancient Greece.

Music developed into an important element in the studies of philosophy by the followers of Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher and mathematician, who supposed that music was a mathematical expression.

3. The first school of musical education:

According to Plato, the first school of musical education was founded from the people of Crete followed by the music schools of Athens, where students were taught to sing and play the lyre. In Ancient Greece, they believed that music taught order and discipline while allowing the educated to appreciate better the musical performance.

4. Music and Religion:

Music and religion in Ancient Greece.

Music was associated with religious occasions in Greek cities including the Panathenaia and the Dionysia festivals in Athens.

Music contests in athletic competitions had a religious nature in honour of the gods and the earliest such competitions were held in Argos, Paros and Sparta.

5. Musicians and Social Class:

The musicians of Greece, also known as the makers of songs or melopoioi, were often regarded as composers and lyricists of the music they performed.

In Ancient Greece, musicians had an elevated society status, indicated from robes and their presence on the lists of the royal household.

Source: mysteriousgreece.com.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA NSW celebrates Greek heroism with unveiling of ‘Maniatisses’ painting

The unveiling of a new painting by artist Angela Kiki, titled ‘The Maniatisses’, marked a moving tribute by AHEPA NSW.

From Chadstone to the Galaxy Stage: How Chleo Eve uses pageants to champion change

Pageants have evolved into platforms where determined young women can make a name for themselves and stand up for causes they believe in.

Navigating menopause with confidence: A conversation with Greek women experts

The Food for Thought Network Inc. is inviting people to a significant online event focused on menopause awareness and empowerment.

Niki Louca shares recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread with The Greek Herald.

Dr Michael Festas to give seminar on the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution

The Greek administration undertook the collection of statistical data concerning the population and settlements of the Peloponnese.

You May Also Like

Europa Conference League: Pafos FC make history, Panathinaikos advance to group stage

It was a busy day in the Greek football world at the Europa Conference League. We take a look at results for Pafos FC and Panathinaikos FC.

Designer Alexandra Sideris on her passion for bringing homes to life

“I am involved in creating concepts for new display homes, which is an exciting way to incorporate new styles into our designs," Sideris says.

Turkish President slams Greece over Muslim minority rights

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Greece of undermining Muslim minority rights in the country’s northeastern Thrace region.