Music in ancient Persia

Persian traditional music (also known as Iranian traditional music, Musiqi-e Sonati-e Irani, also Persian classical music or Iranian classical music, Musiqi-e Assil-e Irani, Khonyâ-ye Bâstâni Irâni) is the traditional and indigenous music of Iran and Persian-speaking countries(Sakata 1983). Through excavated evidence, such as statuettes recovered in Susa, it can be fairly stated that music in Iran(Persia) can be traced back to the days of the Elamite Empire (3,500-644 B.C). Understandably, little is known of the music during this period except for the fact that various instruments, such as guitars, lutes, and flutes were created and played. Instruments, such as the "barbat," are said to have originated in this period, probably around 800 B.C. During the Achaemenid Empire, that famous "Persian Empire," it was stated by Herodotus that music played an important role, especially in court. He mentions that music was crucial to religious ceremonies in worshiping the God, Mithra (5000 B.C.), whom was later to be accepted a "Amesha Spenta" divinity concepts in Zoroastrianism, as well as several other idols, after the religion of Prophet Zoroaster became more and more accepted.