aulos
9.9
A musical instrument with two pipes that you play by blowing like an oboe
- noun
- /ˈɔːləs/
- Archaic
- Instruments used were the likes of the Aulos, the Lyre, and the Khitara, to name but a few.
- Aulos Ensemble
Examples
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The ancient Greeks often played the aulos during religious ceremonies and public events.
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Musicians in Athens used the aulos to accompany dance and theater performances.
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In art, the aulos is frequently depicted being played by gods and heroes in ancient Greek sculptures.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Aulos comes from the ancient Greek aulos, which meant 'pipe' or 'flute' and named a two‑pipe wind instrument similar to an oboe. So, to remember aulos, think 'pipe' and imagine the old Greek double pipes used in music and ceremonies.