Decoding the Aulos

In the eyes of the ancient world, the aulos was probably the most symbolically charged aerophone. Thus, it is known that the ancient Mediterranean and Near East inhabitants took it with them wherever they travelled. This shows the high value that this musical instrument had, especially as an object that served to express culture. While it was known as the aulos in ancient Greece, the Romans called it the tibia or fistula, which is decisive proof of its cultural diffusion in the ancient world. This aerophone consisted of two diverging cylindrical tubes with a single or double reed mouthpiece. Both its design and manufacture illustrate cultural values and musical practices. Apart from being used for entertainment, religious contexts, expeditions, and battles, the aulos was also an item of trade presented as a gift to rulers. By analysing archaeological, written, iconographic, and ethnographic sources, this contribution presents scenarios where the aulos played a role, highlighting its relevance for the societies as mentioned earlier.