Male patricians in ancient Rome wore specific garments that denoted their status and role in society. Here's a breakdown of their typical attire:
Tunic
The foundation of a patrician's wardrobe was the tunic. According to the provided reference:
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They wore a white color tunic made of wool or linen.
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Variations existed based on rank:
- Magistrates wore the tunica angusticlavia.
- Senators wore the tunica laticlavia with broad purple stripes.
- Military personnel wore shorter tunics for practicality.
Toga
For formal occasions, patricians wore a toga over their tunic. As the reference states:
- During special occasions, they covered the tunic with a white wool coat called toga.
Summary Table
| Garment | Material | Color | Usage | Rank Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunic | Wool or Linen | White | Everyday wear | All patricians |
| Tunic | Wool or Linen | White with stripes | Everyday wear | Magistrates (angusticlavia), Senators (laticlavia) |
| Toga | Wool | White | Special occasions | All patricians |
In essence, a male patrician's clothing communicated his social standing and function within Roman society, from the simple white tunic for daily life to the more elaborate toga for important events.
