The Roman tuba (plural: tubae), also called a trumpet, was a musical instrument used by the ancient Roman military and in religious ceremonies. It was used to signal troop actions, such as retreating, attacking, or charging. It also told guards when to mount duty, sleep, or switch positions. Each Roman legion had 36 or 38 tubicines, who were the people who played the tuba. The tuba was blown twice each spring during military, government, or religious events. This event was called the tubilustrium. The tuba was also used during ancient Roman triumphs, which were celebrations of military victories. It was seen as a symbol of war and battle. The Etruscans, a people who lived before the Romans, used the tuba in their funeral rituals. The Romans continued to use it in their own funeral practices.

Roman tubae were usually straight, cylindrical instruments with a bell-shaped end. They were made of metals like silver, bronze, or lead and were about 4.33 feet (1.31 meters) long. The people who played the tuba, called tubicines or tubatores, were respected in Roman society. The tuba could only make rhythmic sounds on one or two musical notes. Its sound was often described as loud, harsh, or rough. Ancient writers said the tuba’s noise caused fear and panic in people who heard it.