Mesomedes of Crete

Active early 2nd century CE

A Greek poet and composer active in the Roman imperial period. His surviving hymns are important sources for the study of ancient Greek music and notation.

Antiquity–5th c. · Ancient Greek & Roman

Musical context

Ancient Greek & Roman · Antiquity–5th c.

In ancient Greece, music belonged to religious festivals, theater, education, and civic life; Roman musical culture drew on Greek traditions alongside other Mediterranean practices. Thinkers such as Plato debated music’s place in society, while surviving works by figures such as Mesomedes offer glimpses of its sound. Later European scholars inherited Greek theoretical writings, although little ancient music survived in notation. Explore the era →

Related glossary terms

Ancient Greek modes Aulos Ethos Kithara Tetrachord

Pieces

No pieces by Mesomedes of Crete have been added to the catalog yet.