Tubicen
A tubicen was a military trumpeter who played the tuba. The Roman tuba was a straight copper-alloy wind instrument with a bell and mouthpiece; it should not be confused with the modern orchestral tuba.
Vegetius (II.22) associates the tuba with signals to soldiers and the cornu with movements of the standards. The two instruments could sound together.
Fragment from Trajan's column. Early 2nd century AD
Bas-relief with tubutsen. Chersonesos,1-3 century ADTubicines, cornicines and bucinators formed part of the military signalling system. Their duties depended on instrument, unit and period. Naval commands such as dropping anchor should not be attributed to every legionary trumpeter.
The tuba was also used outside the army and appears in depictions of ceremonies and gladiatorial games. Some military musicians are shown in animal skins, but this does not establish a compulsory dress for every trumpeter.
Musicians remained soldiers who needed weapons and protection. A reconstruction may include a helmet, gladius, pugio, hamata, squamata and parma when supported for the chosen period.
Tubutsen,reconstructionRelated topics
Legion Banner Group, Bucinator, Cornicen
Literature and sources
- Vegetius. Epitoma rei militaris, II.22.
- Graham Webster. The Roman Imperial Army.
Mosaic with musicians and gladiators. 1-3 century AD
Mosaic with musicians and gladiators. 1-3 century ADInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
