The Roman tuba (from tubus, Latin for tube) was produced around 500 BC, and like the Cornu was used as a military signal trumpet. The origin is Etruscan and has many similarities with the Greek salpinx. It was a straight instrument, usually of bronze, about four feet long, with a curved or straight bell with minimal flare. These were played with a detachable bone mouthpiece (this replica has a modern brass mouthpiece).   Both styles are carved on Trajan's Column (below). A salpinx can be seen (below) in the carved column at the Louvre .

The long straight trumpet is found in many early civilizations and it is therefore difficult to discern when and where the  design as found in the tuba and salpinx originated. References to the salpinx are found frequently in Greek literature and art. Early descriptions of the sound of the salpinx can be found in Homer’s Iliad (9th or 8th century BC), however, this archaic reference is more unique and frequent references are not found until the Classical period. Similar instruments can be found in Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt,