Anybody know about the composition and instruments used in "ancient"

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I'd quite like to know in terms of composing what are the sounds that make music sound ancient? Think Rome total war OST, The HBO 'Rome' show's theme or The Mummy OST etc.

I know a lot of it is orchestra strings playing very low drones and women scream singing vowels but I struggle to identify some of the other sounds/instruments.

Examples:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IR5N0-DqZoU

What is the instrument that kicks in about 8secs in? Is it a clarinet or bassoon or something? The sound appears to be a staple of "ancient music"

Also if you could name some of the stringed instruments generally used that would be great I think a lot of it is either lyre or dulcimer (dulcimer/santur example below)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=95amB7kUu-k

Cheers!