How old are harps?

Harps are ancient musical instruments with a long and storied history. Archaeological evidence suggests that harps may have originated in ancient Egypt as early as 3500 BC, making them one of the oldest instruments still in use today. The earliest harps were likely simple wooden frames with strings made of animal gut, and they were played by plucking the strings with the fingers. Over time, harps evolved and became more complex, with the addition of more strings, pedals, and other mechanisms to change the pitch and tone of the instrument. Today, harps come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are played in many different musical traditions around the world.