Ancient Greek Music

The citizens of ancient Greece used to love music. This actually was a very important part of their lives. Ancient Greek music was a way by which the Greeks could honor their gods and they could make their world a place which was more civilized and human. But then what did real Greek music sound like? No one really has any clue because no tape recorders or anything were present at that point of time. Also writing down music wasnt really popular then.

Even though we dont really know the type of music they used to play, we have a good idea about the musical instruments which they used to have. This variety consisted of drums, lyres, cymbals and pipes. These musical instruments were usually made of reeds or wood and they had holes which were cut into them for the fingers of the person o play the tune. Some of the instruments were played vertically almost like a recorder and some of them used to be played sideways just like a flute.

Ancient Greek music consisting of pipes and drums used to be played extremely loudly and also lively during dancing and also when they used to worship Dionysus, the god of the parties and wine. Ancient Greek music was also symbolical for lyres which were like small harps and which sounded like guitars. According to the Greek stories the very first lyre was made from a turtle shell by Hermes the god when he was a child and Hermes had given this to Apollo who was the god of reason and logic. The lyre was usually played in a way which was much calmer when compared to the pipes and the drums.

Musical instruments were played by both men as well as women. The wealthy children were taught how to play the lyre at school and the wealthy girls would be taught at home since they werent allowed to go to school .they would often compete for prizes in musical contests and each town would have different competitions. Ancient Greece music was very important to the Greeks.

The word music actually comes from the Greek word Muses. Also rhythm comes from rhythymos and melody from melos. Even though some people try and find out what the ancient Greek music actually sounded like, no one is very sure because of the lack of information.

Ancient Greek Life History / Ancient Greece Facts for Kids

We owe a lot to Ancient Greek Civilization. History of ancient Greece is a fascinating. On this site, we have given information on various ancient Greek life aspects - Arts, Boys and Girls, Architecture, Dancing, Gods, Myths, Medicine, Inventions, Houses, Government, Religions, Wars, Politics, Weapons and ancient Greece Cities.