Hurrian Hymn No. 7
Hurrian Hymn No. 7 is one of the oldest known pieces of music, dating back to around 1400 BCE. Discovered in the ancient city of Ugarit (modern-day Syria), it is inscribed on a clay tablet in the Hurrian language. The hymn is dedicated to the goddess Nikkal, who is associated with orchards and fertility.
The tablet contains musical notation, which provides instructions on how to perform the hymn using a lyre. This makes it a significant artifact for understanding ancient music and culture, as it offers insights into the religious practices and artistic expressions of the Hurrian people.