The Oldest Known Musical Instruments Are Over 40,000 Years Old

Long before the first words were written down, the caves of Ice Age Europe likely echoed with carefully crafted melodies. Remarkable evidence for this comes from the Swabian Jura region of Germany, where archaeologists unearthed flutes made from bird bone and mammoth ivory. Through radiocarbon dating of the sediment layers in which they were found, these instruments have been placed at an astonishing 42,000 to 43,000 years old. One of the most complete examples, carved from the wing bone of a griffon vulture, features five precisely drilled finger holes, showcasing the incredible ingenuity of these early modern humans.

The existence of these instruments provides a profound window into the cognitive and social lives of our ancestors. Creating a flute with tuned finger holes requires not just advanced tool-making skills but also an understanding of acoustics and a desire for