Which period in music history is defined as occurring from 500BC to 500AD?

The time frame from 500 BC to 500 AD is known as the Antiquity period in music history. This period encompasses the music and cultural developments of ancient civilizations, particularly focusing on the music of the Greeks and Romans. During Antiquity, there was a significant interest in the theoretical aspects of music, with philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle exploring mathematical relationships in musical intervals and harmony.

The musical practices during this time laid the groundwork for later musical developments. Instruments used included lyres, aulos, and various types of percussion, and there was an emphasis on vocal music, often tied to ritualistic or social functions. This era is crucial for understanding the transition into the following periods, including the Medieval era, which is more focused on music composed from around 500 AD onwards, with Gregorian Chant and early polyphony as defining characteristics.

Other periods mentioned, such as the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque, fall in later historical contexts, with the Medieval period beginning around 500 AD and extending to approximately 1400 AD, while the Renaissance and Baroque periods follow in succession, characterized by increasingly complex musical structures and styles.