The Cornicen carries a Cornu, a large circular horn instrument that is used to relay orders on the march and during battle when verbal commands would not be heard.

The Cornucen would wear either a mail shirt (Lorica Hamata) or scale armour (Lorica squamata) and have an animal skin over his helmet as a sign of his status. For protection he carries a sword and a small circular shield.

The Cornu in this picture is based on the remains of three Cornu that were found at Pompei and are now on display in the museum at Naples.