What did the Celtic Carnyx war trumpet sound like? Imagine hearing this on the battlefield... 🎺

The carnyx is an ancient Celtic wind instrument used by the Celts during the Iron Age, roughly between 300 BC and 200 AD. It’s most famously associated with war, where its eerie, multi-tonal sound was a psychological weapon against foes like the Roman legions. The carnyx was a type of bronze trumpet with a distinctive long, S-shaped tube that ended in an animal-shaped bell, often resembling a boar, dragon, or other creature. It was held vertically in the air, with the bell raised high, making it an imposing sight and sound on the battlefield. The carnyx was capable of producing a range of sounds, from high-pitched, piercing notes to lower, more resonant tones, depending on how it was played. Since it had no valves, the player manipulated pitch through their embouchure (lip tension and air control) and overblowing techniques to create different harmonics. The wide bell amplified the sound, giving it a loud, haunting quality that could carry across long distances—perfect for signaling or intimidating enemies. Historical accounts and modern reconstructions suggest it had a dynamic range, with the potential for both shrill, high-pitched wails and deeper, lugubrious tones, especially if the bell included a movable tongue or loose parts that added a jarring effect. Archaeological finds, like the Deskford Carnyx from Scotland (dated to the 1st-2nd century AD), and depictions on ancient coins and Roman art confirm its use across Celtic Europe, from Britain to Romania. https://www.brehonacademy.org   / brehonacademy     / brehonacademy     / brehonacademy   If you liked this video, please share it on your networks for others to watch.