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The metal horn was used for hunting and battle, though over time became primarily associated with hunting. The bugle was primarily a military instrument because of its dexterity, it's small, easy-to-carry size, and the way the sound carried through the riot and mayhem of battle. The trumpet saw wide use as an instrument of heraldry, marking announcements, the arrival of dignitaries, and punctuating the pomp of the royal court.
Horns of all types have also been widely used in various religious capacities since the dawn of recorded time, especially by the Semitic and Arabic peoples. The religious connotation of horns in the European tradition was still prevalent in the 19th century, as is evidenced by remarks made by classical composers such as Gluck and Berlioz.
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