An ''aeneator'' ( lat, aēneātor or ) was a specialized player of wind instruments who was attached to a Roman military unit. The word comes from Latin ''aēneus'' or ''ahēneus'', "brazen", from ''aes'', " copper alloy". While the size of individual Roman military units may have varied, they made extensive use of both acoustical and visual signaling in communications and each had an assigned banner bearer ('' vexillarius'') and at least one ''aeneator''. A variety of instruments were used by ''aeneatores'', including the '' buccina'', '' cornu'', '' tuba'', and '' lituus''. In addition to their roles in the Roman army, ''aeneatores'' were also used for processionals and games, particularly in marching home from war.

Categories of ''aeneatores''

''Aeneatores'' who blew a ''buccina'' (a ''C''-shaped horn made of bronze or silver or animal horn) were known as '' buccinators''; those who blew a ''cornu'' (a ''G''-shaped horn made of brass) were known as '' cornicines''; those who blew a ''tuba'' (a straight bronze horn with a slight flare at the end) were known as '' tubicines'' or ''tubatores''; players of the ''lituus'' were called ''liticines''. ''Cornicines'' and ''tubicines'' mostly performed uncomplicated tactical signaling on the battlefield, and therefore were not accorded special status in the military unit. They had call duties in the barracks, just as other commonly conscripted soldiers had. By contrast, the ''bucinator'' was seen as a specially-skilled member of the unit who was capable of performing a wider repertoire and was used to perform a variety of ceremonial duties. Many units accorded ''bucinators immunes'' status, and there were equestrian ''bucinatores'' that served as cavalry buglers.

References

{{reflist Ancient Roman music Military ranks of ancient Rome hu:Aeneator

Categories of ''aeneatores''

See also

References