1. Start:
- The origins of Ancient World music can be traced back to prehistoric times, with evidence of musical instruments and musical traditions dating back to around 30,000 BCE.
- However, the term "Ancient World music" is typically used to refer to the music of ancient civilizations that left written records and developed sophisticated musical systems and instruments.
- In this sense, the start of Ancient World music can be associated with the emergence of early civilizations in the Middle East, Egypt, and the Indus Valley around 3000 BCE.
2. End:
- The end of Ancient World music is generally marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE and the subsequent rise of Christianity, which brought significant changes in musical styles and practices in Europe.
- However, the traditions and influences of Ancient World music continued in various regions, particularly in the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic world, and the East Asian civilizations, where they continued to develop and flourish.
- In these regions, many Ancient World musical instruments, melodies, and rhythmic structures were preserved and evolved into the music of later periods.