From various history classes, we all learned that the Middle East is home to most of the oldest and most ancient things in the world. Then it seems fit that the oldest song should come from there, right?
That’s right, the oldest song in the world originally comes from ancient Syria, in a settlement called Ugarit. Sometime in the 1950’s, archaeologists uncovered what turned out to be the oldest musical piece known to mankind. The hymn, etched on clay tablets, is over 3,400 years old! It is composed of cuneiform signs in the Hurrian language.
Anne Draffkorn Kilmer, professor of Assyriology at the University of California, interpreted the language in 1972. It was discovered that the songs, known as “The Hurrian Songs”, were probably played on contemporary lyres, musical instruments known to Ugarit inhabitants. The most complete parts of the lyrics, called “The Song of Nikkal” were found to be in honor of the goddess Nikkal, known as the keeper of the orchards and gardens.
Two versions , a midi version and a lyre version, of this song were created, both very different from each other. Whilst we may never know how the majesty of this song was truly put into melody, we can definitely emphasize that it is a very important part of Syrian history.
Let us know what do you think about the song in the comment box below and don’t forget to leave a smile :)!
