Music accompanied most, if not all, rites of passage, communal events, and private life in ancient Greece. Below are a few of the most well-known and important instruments of the ancient Greek world. I’ve also included origin stories and myths for some of the Greek instruments — the gods, places, and plants that were connected to the sounds of the ancient landscape.

I recorded this last October, when the Bees were pollinating the Ivy and the Pomegranates were ripe on the tree.

The lyre, kithara, aulos, frame drum…ancient instruments that create a sound so earthen, it makes the hairs on my arms stand on end.
Here is a curated selection of modern artists playing the ancient Greek sounds, as well as modern interpretations of the ancient Greek songs.

For those living abroad or without any living relatives in Greece, it can be difficult to find ways to connect with your Greek roots. So in this episode, I share some unique ideas to connect with your Greek ancestry that do not involve genealogy. Instead, I’m going to suggest some other practices for coming home to Greece, even if you are unable to visit in person. If you’re not of Greek heritage, but you feel a deep affinity to Greek culture or mythology, these techniques can also deepen your connection with the mythic Greek landscape.