Ars Antiqua is Latin for "ancient art" or "old art". This school of music's popularity spanned from 1100-1300 in France. It began at the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Paris and emerged from the Gregorian Chant. Music during this period is characterized by adding harmonies to chants and having a sophisticated counterpoint.

What were the years of the Ars Antiqua period?

Ars antiqua, also called ars veterum or ars vetus, is a term used by modern scholars to refer to the Medieval music of Europe during the High Middle Ages, between approximately 1170 and 1310.

What is the difference between Ars Antiqua and Ars Nova?

We use this moment as the line to divide two eras of music; everything before we call Ars Antiqua, which means old art, and everything after we call Ars Nova, or new art.