Romani musica

There is no doubt that Roman history had a massive effect on the world. They were an empire that existed for hundreds of years! Though a lot of their culture was actually copied from the Greeks, they still had music littered throughout their lives. They had many musical instruments that the Greeks did, like the aulos and the lyre, but they also had some other ones as well.
 A lot of their music was used in the military, which was a very important part of the society. The musical instruments that were in the army were usually the tuba, and the cornu.

Undoubtedly the most important instrument in the Roman military was the tuba, or straight trumpet. This was often used during triumphal processions, funerals, sacrifices, and other ceremonies. But it's main use was in the military. This would be used to sound troop movement, and would be needed to be played as loudly as possible. Julius Caesar was known for using these, not only to progress troop movement, but also for retreat. During the Gallic Wars, he fought Vercingetorix, who was also known to use these trumpets during battle.

The second most important instrument was the cornu. This instrument was made into a massive G shape and had a crossbar in the middle for support. This instrument was primarily used for directing troops under a certain sign. In civilian life, it was normally used to call together meetings, announcements or social gatherings. Later on in the empire, it was used to announce the presence of the emperor. The cornu was a very well known instrument and is even captured on carvings like the Trajan column, pictured left.




The Romans, though they copied much of the Greek culture, really drove the military and conquering part of the world, and brought forth civilization in the most barbarian parts of ancient Europe. The Romans were one of the first society's to use brass instruments, and not only brass instruments, but instruments for their military. That translated  and even progressed to the 1700's Europe, with line fighting, as fifes and drums were used to keep the beat of the march, and motivate the troops. The Romans created one of the most powerful empires ever, and set their imprint upon the modern society today.