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Prehistoric Musical Instruments — Reading Comprehension

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This ancient history reading passage introduces students to the remarkable discovery of the world's oldest known musical instruments, dating back 43,000 to 35,000 years. Students will learn how archaeologists unearthed bone and ivory flutes in caves of southern Germany, providing insight into early human creativity, symbolic thinking, and cultural development during the Upper Paleolithic period. The passage explores archaeological evidence, artifact analysis, and the broader significance of music in early human societies. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline, all designed to meet CA HSS 6.2 and CCSS RI.6-8 standards. Read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation are provided to support diverse learners. This resource is ideal for building historical thinking skills and understanding the role of music and art in human history.

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instrument, bone, flute, role model, photography, — "Musical Instrument -Bone flute" by Ljungh, Gösta / Europeana

Archaeologists have uncovered some of the earliest known musical instruments, dating from 43,000 to 35,000 years ago, during excavations in caves in southern Germany. These discoveries show that the creation of music was an important part of early human culture in the Paleolithic era. The instruments include flutes made from the bones of birds and mammoths, as well as ivory. These ancient artifacts reveal not only technical skill but also the beginnings of symbolic and artistic expression among early Homo sapiens.

The most famous finds come from the Hohle Fels and Geissenklösterle caves in the Swabian Jura region. In 2008, scientists led by Dr. Nicholas Conard discovered a flute made from a griffon vulture’s wing bone. Radiocarbon dating shows this instrument is about 40,000 years old. Other flutes, carved from mammoth ivory, have also been found at nearby sites. Archaeologists carefully document the locations and layers where these artifacts are found, which helps them build a chronology of human activities over thousands of years.

The presence of these instruments suggests that music played a role in social gatherings and possibly in rituals or ceremonies. The craftsmanship required to make a flute from bone or ivory shows advanced knowledge of materials and tool use. Scientists believe these flutes were made by anatomically modern humans, not Neanderthals. The geographic context is also important: southern Germany was a meeting place for different human groups, which may have led to the sharing of ideas and traditions, including music-making. Some scholars debate whether music helped early humans develop stronger communities or communicate complex ideas.

Analysis of the flutes reveals that they can produce a scale of notes, allowing for simple melodies. This suggests an early form of artistic creativity and perhaps even emotional expression. Over time, the tradition of making musical instruments has continued and evolved, but these ancient flutes represent a key moment in human cultural history. The artifacts also connect us to the daily lives of our ancestors, showing that music has been part of social life for tens of thousands of years.

The discovery of the world’s oldest musical instruments highlights the ingenuity of ancient people and provides direct evidence of their symbolic thinking. By studying these artifacts, historians and archaeologists gain insight into how early societies developed complex cultures. The study of ancient music links to broader historical themes such as innovation, the development of art, and the ways humans adapt to their environments.

Interesting Fact: One of the flutes found at Hohle Fels Cave is made from the hollow bone of a griffon vulture, showing that early humans used resources from their environment in creative ways.

Where were the oldest flutes found?

Southern GermanyNorthern FranceEastern AsiaNorthern Africa

What are the flutes mainly made from?

Bone and ivoryClay and stoneMetal and woodGlass and marble

Who led the team that found the Hohle Fels flute?

Dr. Nicholas ConardLouis LeakeyMary AnningHoward Carter

Why are the flutes significant?

They show early symbolic thinkingThey were used for huntingThey were made by NeanderthalsThey are made of gold

How do archaeologists date the flutes?

Radiocarbon datingCounting layers of paintExamining tree ringsChecking for handwriting

What effect did music have on groups?

Helped build communitiesCaused warsDestroyed settlementsLed to farming