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What to wear in Greek and Roman Times

Not everything is Greek to me, some is not Greek to me at all. A coin is a simple thing, but not everything we humans depict on it. This list is to help you understand, see ?


Greek men wore Roman men wore
Greek women wore Roman women wore


Men from Greece wore ...
Men wore a Chiton. Over this could be worn the Himation, which to my untrained eye essentially looks like a large cloak. During the hottest (or most rainy :-)) part of the day one could wear a a Petasos on his head : a wide brimmed flat felt hat. As extra the men could wear a Chlamys. A short cape.
 
Women from Greece wore ...
Women wore a Peplos, if sleeveless. Later on the Doric and Ionic Chiton came in to style (with sleeves). Over this could be worn the Himation, as an extra for reasons as to keep warm, be modest, or to be more comely.
 

 
Men from Rome wore ...
Men wore a tunica which was adapted from the Greek chiton. Over it the man of importance wore his Toga which grew longer and more elaborate on the advent of the 'golden age' of the empire. It had strict codings (like a striping) tod enote the rank of the wearer. Only Roman citizens were allowed to be seen in it.
With the advent of empire it's use was under pressure, since it was not an easy garment to wear. On the other hand it was, for a long time, very popular under those recently elevated to citizenship since it was the proof of them having 'arrived'
 
Women from Rome wore ...
Women wore a tunica which was adapted from the Greek chiton and had halflong sleeves and was usually knee-length. Over this the women wore a stola, fastened at the shoulders with clasps (i.e. sleeveless), and full length (from neck to ankle). The stola was usually either white, brown or grey, though they could be colored with vegetable dyes. A large wide shawl, called a palla, could be draped over the head and wrapped around the shoulders and arm the aplla was essentially a large piece of cloth). Cloaks could then be worn over this to keep warm(er) or/and dry.
 

 


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