Italy

Chiusi, C-shaped cornu

Find Spot: Chiusi

Date of Illustration: Second century BCE

Description: An illustration from a much-later period (250-225 BCE), from Chiusi, a U-shaped cornu is shown (top right-hand corner of image) being played in a battle scene. The portrayal is of a Seven Against Thebes scene and it cannot be said whether it is a portrayal of contemporary practice, rather than an anachronistic rendering of an ancient theme by a 2nd century BCE artist. However, as this portrayal is of a battle scene, it may be that the use of the U-shaped form was continued in the military long after the development of the larger more-curved instruments seen in ensembles. Seven Against Thebes is the third play in an Oedipus-themed trilogy produced by the Greek author Aeshylus in 467 BCE. References to the tale, both written and graphic, are more common in Greek sources. Aeschylus does not describe a scene like this in his play and does not refer to any instrument which might be construed as a cornu of any sort but does refer to one of the seven champions, Tydeus, who awaits the call of the salpinx before engaging in battle:

IC583: Amiternum karnyx

Find Spot: Amiternum, Italy

Date of Illustration: N/A

Description: Amiternum karnyx

Etruscan Cornu and Lituus fron the Tomb of the Shields

Find Spot: The Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia.

Date of Illustration: 4th century BC

Lituus and Cornu on Wall Painting

Find Spot: Tomb of the Seven Chimneys Orvieto

Date of lllustration: 4th Century BCE

Long Salpinx played during Sea Battle

Find Spot: Caere (modern Cerveteri, Italy)

Date of Illustration: N/A

Musignano U-Shaped Cornua

Find Spot: Musignano

Date of Illustration:

Description: Two players carrying U-shaped cornua in a procession

Roman Graffito on Via Appia

Find Spot: Villa below the basilica of San Sebastiano, Via Appia, Rome

Roman Graffito on Via Appia

Find Spot: Villa below the basilica of San Sebastiano, Via Appia, Rome

Salpinktes on mosaic from Ostia

Find Spot: Villa below the basilica of San Sebastiano, Via Appia, Rome

Tubae on Arch of Titus Relief

Find Spot: Arch of Titus, Rome

Date of Illustration: 81 CE