08-20-2003, 06:04 PM
The roman army did not use drums. If it had, it would appear in the archaeological, or epigraphic, or literary record.<br>
In all of these sources the only muscial instruments associated with the military are horns of different sizes and shapes.<br>
However percussion instruments were known to the romans: the tambourine, the egyptian "sistre" (I dunno the english name. It's that rattle instrument) and the castanets of spanish fame. It seems they were considered "civilian" instruments.<br>
And yes indeed, in most depictions of a tambourine player we see a woman playing the instrument. <p></p><i></i>
In all of these sources the only muscial instruments associated with the military are horns of different sizes and shapes.<br>
However percussion instruments were known to the romans: the tambourine, the egyptian "sistre" (I dunno the english name. It's that rattle instrument) and the castanets of spanish fame. It seems they were considered "civilian" instruments.<br>
And yes indeed, in most depictions of a tambourine player we see a woman playing the instrument. <p></p><i></i>