Ancient Empire - Rome

In the beginning of the eighth century B.C Ancient Rome grew into an empire that began as a small settlement in Italy. Dated to 753 B.C, this ancient civilization has contributed to modern language, technology, warfare, art, architecture, social influences on politics and religion.

In the area of fashion there are some similarities between Ancient Roman and Ancient Greek clothing. Roman clothing was simple and required minimal cutting and tailoring. Still they were produced by hand which required skill, time, and knowledge. Social class, rank, gender, and status was identified through clothing and footwear, in both Rome and Greece.

The basic garment for men and women in Ancient Rome was the tunic. A simple wove rectangle of fabric pinned around the shoulders. The color of the tunic varied depending on social class; white tunics were worn by upper classes, and lower classes wore natural or brown colored tunics.

Another common garment was the palla used by women. The simplicity of this garment gave it many uses. The palla was a large woolen rectangular cloth that wrapped around the body. It was used over a tunic, toga, or stola depending on status and social class. Pallas were made in a variety of colors and prints. Normally draped over the front left shoulder, then wrapped around the back and pins or clasps were used to hold it in place. Some women would also drape the palla over their head to follow Roman customs.

Pallas are now known as shawls and wraps used by women in western society, independently of what social class they are. There are also dresses that resemble Roman styles and attire in modern fashion. These styles are seen mainly in summer clothing.

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Works Cited

“Ancient Rome - Facts, Location, & Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/ancient-rome.

“Ancient Rome.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Apr. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Society.

College, Marissa - Emerson, and Kaija K. “A Fashionable History: Ancient Greece and Rome.” College Fashion, 25 Feb. 2019, https://www.collegefashion.net/inspiration/greek-and-roman-fashion-inspiration/.

Davidson, Lucy. “Togas and Tunics: What Did Ancient Romans Wear?” History Hit, History Hit, 13 Nov. 2022, https://www.historyhit.com/togas-and-tunics-what-did-ancient-romans-wear/.

“Palla.” Fashion Encyclopedia, http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/The-Ancient-World-Rome/Palla.html.

“Tunic.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Mar. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunic.