Oldest String Instrument


The oldest string instrument is believed to be 2,300 years old. It was discovered in High Pasture Cave on Skye island, Scotland. This cave is not open to the public and is a famous Late Bronze Age and Iron Age site. The instrument fragment is examined by experts at Historic Scotland. It seems to be the bridge of the instrument.

The earliest string instruments known before this discovery were lyre harps dated around 600 AD, originating from Skandinavia and created by Vikings. This instrument seems to be some 1,000 years older. It is believed, that earlier only flutes, pipes and bronze instruments were known.