Contrary to popular belief, the bagpipe did not originate in
Scotland. Its historical origins can be dated back to 1,000 B.C. in
Babylon, modern day
Iraq. Some Roman armies also used what resembeled a bagpipe as a morale booster in ancient
Syria. However, it did evolve and became what it is today in Scotland.
The "
Oxford History of Music" makes mention of the first documented bagpipe being found on a
Hittite slab at
Eyuk. This sculptured bagpipe has been dated to 1,000 B.C. Biblical mention is made of the bagpipe in
Genesis and in the third Chapter of Daniel where the "symphonia" in
Nebuchadnezzar's band is believed to have contained a
bagpipe.