1st–2nd century CEReputable sourceWell documented
The Seikilos Epitaph: The Oldest Complete Song
On the timeline · around 1st–2nd century CE · Prehistory & Antiquity
What happened
Carved on a marble tombstone from Roman-era Anatolia, the Seikilos epitaph pairs a short poem — 'While you live, shine… life exists only for a short while' — with letters and marks above the words that specify both the melody and its rhythm. It is the oldest surviving piece of music in the world that is complete, from beginning to end.
Why it matters
Unlike fragments or instruments, the Seikilos song can actually be sung today exactly as it was almost two thousand years ago — a direct musical voice from the ancient world, and proof of how far Greek notation had advanced.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Ancient Greek Music · Reputable source
Related timelines
- Ancient Greece → — The music of the classical Greek world