The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments, with origins dating back approximately 43,000 to 60,000 years ago. Early flutes made from animal bones, such as a Neanderthal flute from a cave bear thigh bone, have been found in European archaeological sites. These ancient flutes represent some of the earliest known examples of musical instruments. During the Paleolithic era, animal-bone transverse flutes were used in Europe. The prototype of the modern flute began to take shape in the Renaissance period in the 16th century. The modern concert flute as known today evolved significantly in the 19th century, especially with major improvements by Theobald Boehm in the 1830s. In brief:

• Earliest flutes date to about 43,000 to 60,000 years ago, from animal bones (Neanderthal and European caves)
• Renaissance period (16th century) saw the emergence of the flute prototype similar to today's
• Key modern flute design innovations took place in the early 19th century by Theobald Boehm

Thus, the flute was invented in a very ancient period around 43,000 years ago, with its modern form evolving over centuries up to the 19th century.