TRŬA, _dim._ TRULLA (τορύνη), derived from τρύω, τόρω, &c., to
perforate; a large and flat spoon or ladle, pierced with holes; a
trowel. The annexed woodcut represents such a ladle. The _trulla
vinaria_ seems to have been a species of colander [COLUM], used as a
wine-strainer.
[Illustration: Trua. (From the House of Pansa at Pompeii.)]
TRŬTĬNA (τρυτάνη), a general term, including both _libra_, a balance,
and _statera_, a steelyard. Payments were originally made by
weighing, not by counting. Hence a balance (_trutina_) was preserved
in the temple of Saturn at Rome.
TŬBA (σάλπιγξ), a bronze trumpet, distinguished from the _cornu_ by
being straight while the latter was curved. [CORNU.] The tuba was
employed in war for signals of every description, at the games and
public festivals, and also at the last rites to the dead: those who
sounded the trumpet at funerals were termed _siticines_, and used an
instrument of a peculiar form. The tones of the tuba are represented
as of a harsh and fear-inspiring character. The invention of the tuba
is usually ascribed by ancient writers to the Etruscans. It has been
remarked that Homer never introduces the σάλπιγξ in his narrative
except in comparisons, which leads us to infer that, although known
in his time, it had been but recently introduced into Greece; and it
is certain that, notwithstanding its eminently martial character, it
was not until a late period used in the armies of the leading states.
By the Greek tragedians its Tuscan origin is fully recognised.
According to one account it was first fabricated for the Tyrrhenians
by Athena, who in consequence was worshipped by the Argives under the
title of Σάλπιγξ, while at Rome the _tubilustrium_, or purification
of sacred trumpets, was performed on the last day of the Quinquatrus.
[QUINQUATRUS.] There appears to have been no essential difference in
form between the Greek and Roman or Tyrrhenian trumpets. Both were
long, straight, bronze tubes, gradually increasing in diameter, and
terminating in a bell-shaped aperture.
[Illustration: Soldiers blowing Tubae and Cornua. (From Column of
Trajan.)]