THE IMPACT OF MUSIC ON BATTLEFIELDS IN ANTIQUITY ANTİKÇAĞDA SAVAŞ MEYDANLARINDA MÜZİĞİN ETKİSİ
Yegah Musicology Journal, cilt.8, sa.1, ss.46-58, 2025 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 8 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.51576/ymd.1579860
- Dergi Adı: Yegah Musicology Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.46-58
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Athens, Aulos, music, salpinx, Sparta, Tyrtaios
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The term "music" originates from the Ancient Greek word mousikē, denoting the arts guided by the Muses. The Ancient Greeks viewed mousikē as a comprehensive art form, encompassing performance arts such as song, dance, poetry, epic narrative, and instrumental accompaniment with or without a chorus. Music was a part of various aspects of Ancient Greek life, including religious rituals, leisure activities, entertaining guests at special gatherings, and daily routines. However, one of the most inspiring uses of music was on the battlefield, where it was used to motivate soldiers. The power of music to inspire and uplift is evident in its use to boost the morale of soldiers and intimidate enemies before a battle begins. Music, a tool of both strategy and communication, played a significant role on the ancient battlefields. It ensured the synchronized movement of the army and was used to convey crucial commands such as ‘attack,’ ‘retreat,’ and ‘maneuver.’ The post-battle stage was not exempt from its influence. If victory was achieved, hymns were sung to thank the gods, and victory songs were performed to celebrate the triumph. This study delves into the various purposes for which the Hellenes used music on battlefields in ancient times, substantiated by examples from the ancient writers’ works and archaeological findings.