What year did secular music start?

Secular music, as distinct from sacred music, has roots that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but it began to flourish during the Renaissance period, particularly in the 14th to 16th centuries. The development of musical notation and the rise of Humanism allowed for more expressive forms of music that focused on themes outside of religious contexts. However, even in earlier societies, folk songs and non-religious music existed, suggesting that secular music has always been a part of human culture.