Unique Artifacts
to cherish for a lifetime

The Song of the Lyre: Ancient Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Mortals

29.00 

“A collection of ancient Greek & Roman stories that teaches us not only about the instrument but about philosophy, war, politics, education, and culture in general.” — Armand D’Angour, Professor of Classical Languages and Literature, Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford

For the Greeks, there was no education without the lyre. No feast, no sorrow, no ritual was complete without her. Such was her significance that the Greeks honored the instrument by placing her in the hands of their greatest gods and heroes, including Apollo, Achilles, and Orpheus.

Homer, Sappho, Hesiod, Alcaeus, and Ovid are some of the names the reader encounters in this collection of myths, odes, stories, and hymns, all with a common theme: the instrument of the gods—the lyre.

But why did the lyre consistently triumph over the flutes? What prompted Zeus to immortalize her among the stars as the constellation Lyra? Why was it crucial for even great heroes like Achilles and Alexander the Great to master her playing? And what led the esteemed Socrates to become a lyre student in his later years?

Embark on a journey with the lyre—from myth to legend, poetry, and finally, reality—as we explore her rich history in ancient literature through the works of some of antiquity’s greatest dramatists, poets, and authors.

_Credits
Nikolaos Koumartzis, D.Phil. (editor-in-chief)
Fotis Giantsios, M.Litt. (research director)
Michael J. Griffin, D.Phil. (scholarly advisor)
Armand D’Angour, Professor of Classics (Foreword)

_Publication ID
Hardcover Premium Edition
Dimensions:
14 x 20,5 cm
Pages: 328
Color: Duotone
With Dust Jacket (full color)

The ancient Greek lyre is undoubtedly a musical instrument with a great history and an even greater future, as she can move both aspiring and professional musicians with ease. Almost a decade ago, we began building an ecosystem around this ancient musical instrument, and a vibrant worldwide community soon started to form. With The Song of the Lyre, and its companion art book, The Lyre as a Symbol, we launch a series of publications uncovering the depth of the Lyre’s mythos. Soon, more books, equally compelling, will follow. 

Museum
Shop

Pieces of history

Bring the Museum
back Home

There is no benefit when music stands secret and hidden.

— Lucian, 2nd c. CE

SEIKILO Museum offers a fine selection of premium products closely related to our ancient world's musical heritage. Whether a replica of a lyre or another ancient musical instrument, sheet music of ancient surviving melodies, books about the history & myths of music in ancient Greece, or pristine quality recordings of ancient-inspired melodies, you can take with you a unique piece of history that you will cherish for a lifetime and even pass on to the next generation of your family.

Explore more in the options below...

Bring the Museum to your Home

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Acquire an Artifact

Discover the magic of ancient music with the handcrafted instrument recreations of the unique SEIKILO collection, such as a lyre, a kithara, a phorminx, or a pandura!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Preserve the Stories

All the myths and stories you heard during your visit to the SEIKILO Museum are but a mere fragment of what was written. Explore the legacy of the lyre through SEIKILO museum-quality books!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Experience Ancient Music at Home

Replicate the amazing experience of a SEIKILO museum visit by listening to studio-quality recordings of surviving ancient melodies and contemporary compositions on ancient musical instruments.

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Ancient Games, Modern Play

Αncient Greeks designed a series of highly educational games through which the youngsters sharpened their minds and developed critical thinking. Experience the timelessness of play with our series of ancient board games for the whole family, handcrafted with premium materials.

Sign up to our newsletters

Get in touch

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

+30 2316019635

info@seikilo.com

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

WhatsApp +30 6981175235

Viber +30 6981175235

Must know before you visit

The Museum runs interactive tours from Monday to Friday (11:00 & 16:00) and on Saturday (11:00), strictly upon reservation. More time slots are available upon request.

All our tours are guided by a professional lyre player who performs live for you.

Available time slots highly depend on the season. Please reach out for details.

The cost is 15 € per person and 5 € for kids up to 12 (always accompanied by an adult).