MUSIC IN ANCIENT EGYPT

The ancient Egyptians credited one of their gods Hathor with the invention of music, which Osiris in turn used as part of his effort to civilize the world. Music was used in various activities, but its main development was in the temples, where it was used during the rites dedicated to different gods and was used as a therapeutic remedy: in fact, the hieroglyphic sign for music is the same as for joy. As in other towns, also considered a means of communication with the dead, and the musicians reached a category such that some are buried in the royal necropolis. We do not known how their music sounded because they did not develope a system to represent it. Music was transmitted from teacher to student, but are some texts that provide insight into some aspects.  The instruments preserved in museums and representation in  paintings of instruments and dancers, as well as oral tradition can tell us something about the Egytian music.