What are the oldest songs in the world?
Music has been an integral part of human culture for millennia, serving as a medium for expression, storytelling, and community bonding. While the origins of music predate recorded history, the first known compositions offer a fascinating glimpse into the musical traditions of ancient civilizations.
Below, we explore some of the oldest known songs, each of which provides unique insights into the cultures from which they emerged.
1. "Hurrian Hymn No. 6" (circa 1400 BCE)
The oldest known melody, the "Hurrian Hymn No. 6," dates back to around 1400 BCE. Discovered in the ancient Amorite-Canaanite city of Ugarit (modern-day northern Syria), this hymn is part of a collection of music inscribed in cuneiform script on clay tablets.
The nearly complete tablet contains a hymn to Nikkal, the Semitic goddess of orchards. The notation provides instructions for a singer accompanied by a type of harp called sammûm. Modern reconstructions of the melody offer a rare auditory window into ancient musical traditions.
2. Delphic Hymns (circa 128 BCE)
The Delphic Hymns are two ancient Greek musical compositions dedicated to Apollo, the god of music and prophecy. Discovered in 1893, these hymns are some of the earliest examples of written music from ancient Greece.
Both pieces were performed at the Athenian Pythia festival, which was held in honor of Apollo. Though incomplete, modern scholars have attempted to reconstruct the melodies, providing insights into the musical practices of Ancient Greece.
3. Seikilos Epitaph (circa 1st century CE)
The Seikilos Epitaph is the oldest surviving complete musical composition in the world that includes both lyrics and musical notation. Inscribed on a marble stele found in the ancient Greek city of Tralles (modern-day Aydın, Turkey), this song serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life.
The inscription reads:
"While you live, shine,
Do not grieve at all.
Life is short,
And time demands its due."
4. Hymn of Oxyrhynchus (late 3rd century CE)
The Hymn of Oxyrhynchus is the earliest known Christian Greek hymn containing both lyrics and musical notation. Discovered among the papyri of Oxyrhynchus in Egypt, this hymn is a Christian composition, making it a significant artifact for the study of early Christian music.
5. Te Deum (circa 387 CE)
Traditionally attributed to Saints Ambrose and Augustine, the "Te Deum" is a Christian hymn of praise believed to have been written around 387 CE to celebrate the baptism of Augustine. Known also as the "Ambrosian Hymn," it has been an integral part of Christian liturgy for centuries. The hymn is still regularly used in various Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist churches.
6. Sumer Is Icumen In (mid-13th century CE)
Written in the Wessex dialect of medieval English, this joyful song celebrates the arrival of summer. The oldest manuscript of the song was found at Reading Abbey and is now housed at the British Library. Its resilient melody and cheerful lyrics have made it a timeless piece of England's musical heritage.
7. Phos Hilaron (Lumen Hilare) (late 3rd or early 4th century CE)
The "Phos Hilaron," also known as "Lumen Hilare" in Latin, is one of the oldest known Christian hymns still in use today. Often referred to as the "Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps," it was traditionally sung during the lighting of lamps at night. The hymn is referenced in the Apostolic Constitutions, dating it to the late 3rd or early 4th century CE.
8. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (circa 4th century CE)
Originating from the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, this is an ancient Christian hymn from the 4th century CE. The hymn was originally part of the offertory in the liturgy and emphasizes reverence and awe during the ceremony.
