Horn

• According to Vegetius, Orders were passed in the Roman Army using Basic Signals on Horns, so that these calls could be heard above the sound of Battle.
• The Horn or Bugle was still being used up until recently to pass signals on a Military Base, Battlefield or Naval Ship.

Types of Horn

• 1. The ‘Tuba’:
  • A straight Trumpet, about 4 feet long.

• 2. The ‘Cornu’ or ‘Cornum’:
  • Played by the Cornicen (Horn-Blower).
  • This was a longer Trumpet, about 10 feet long, bent into a circle and worn on the shoulder by the Cornicen. It was made of Brass.

• 3. The ‘Buccina’:
  • Made of Brass.
  • Played by the Buccinator.
  • This resembnled the Cornu, but was slightly longer at 11-12 feet long.

Types of Calls

• The ‘Classicum’ was a particular call sounded only in the presence of the General.
• Calls were given to Charge, Retreat, Assemble, Disperse, for Cavalry to Mount and Dismount, and so on.