Agon/Games
Greece Salpinx AgonA Salpinktes playing during a Chariot Race,
Find Spot: N/A
Date of Illustration: Second half of the 6th century BCE
read more
Greece Salpinx AgonIC678: A Salpinktes playing during a Chariot Race
Find Spot: N/A
Current location Cambridge, University, 37.17
Date of Illustration: 520-510 BCE
read moreWhen the Romans replaced the Salpinx with the Tuba
For many centuries, the salpinx held its position as announcer in the Greek games or agon. Eventually, in 396 BCE, we know that its position was recognised by the instigation of a contest to decide which salpinktes (salpinx player) would officiate throughout the games. it was clearly an important position as the introduction of the contest indicated. despite this, many authors still refer to the salpinx as a military instrument or ‘war trumpet’.
Greek SalpinxSalpinktes on dais
Find Spot: N/A
Date of Illustration: N/A
Description: Paquette describes this scene as two silenes running before a statue of Dionysos while a third, perched on a dais, blows a cup-belled salpinx proclaiming the victory of Dionysus. The scene may have mirrored that witnessed by those present at the start of a race in the agon/games.
read more
Roman SalpinxSalpinktes on mosaic from Ostia
Find Spot: Villa below the basilica of San Sebastiano, Via Appia, Rome
read moreLatest Posts
