Tubicen

Tubutsen (Latin tubicen) - a legion trumpeter who played the tuba. Tuba (Latin tuba) — a musical wind instrument made of copper or bronze,which is a straight pipe with a small bell at the end. It had a removable mouthpiece in the shape of a cup. Unlike bucina and korna,the tuba had a higher pitched sound and was more effective at giving sound commands during combat.

Tubutzen most likely performed the same functions as other legion trumpeters — bucinator and kornitsen. In the camp,they signaled the changing of the guard,the arrival of a legate,military commander or emperor,and also called the attention of legionaries to the announcement of various decrees and death sentences. On the march,the tubutzen usually gave general signals: "to march","to fight","to drop anchor",etc. Tubucenes belonged to junior officers-principals. The tuba was played not only by the military: many images have been preserved where this musical instrument is played in a peaceful environment,for example,at gladiatorial games. The external distinguishing feature of the Roman military musicians,who were part of the legion's banner group,was an animal skin draped over a helmet and tied with its front paws on the chest. The armament consisted of a gladius and a pugio. Tubutsen's armor was usually a hamata or squamata lorica Lorica hamata Lorica squamata,and they also carried a small round parma shield on the side of their belt Parma.

Related topics

Legion Banner Group,Bucinator,Cornicen

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