Music as therapy in Greek antiquity

Abstract

The present study refers to the position of music as therapy in Greek antiquity, examined through the views of philosophers and writers. Since ancient times (3000 BC) there are testimonies about the role of music as a means of healing through the purification of the soul and the body. The most important information is drawn from the texts of philosophers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, and writers who dealt with music in the light of philosophy, such as Aristides Kointilianos, from the work of Porfyrios and Iamblichus, as well as other philosophers and writers. Τhe prominent position of music in antiquity is highlighted as a means of curing mental disorders, as a means of spiritual and physical well-being, as well as of expressing mental states that are both depicted and attributed to music. Such views remain relevant in current days concerning the influence of music on the human psyche.

Keywords

• greek antiquity
• music
• therapy
• philosophy
• pythagoras
• aristotle
• plato
• aristides kointilianos