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Ancient Roman musical instruments

  • Cornu (horn)The ancient Roman cornu began its life in the hands of the Etruscans. These people invented the instrument for use in their funeral processions and military…
  • Tympanum (hand drum)A bronze votive disc discovered in a cave on Crete dates to the 8th century BC. This artifact shows one of the earliest known images of a circular frame drum.
  • Music of ancient RomeThe Secular Ode of Horace was commissioned by Augustus and performed by a mixed children's choir at the Secular Games in 17 BC.