Paludamentum
Paludamentum (Latin: paludamentum) was a Roman military cloak worn by both soldiers and officers of the ancient Roman army,as well as by emperors. It is difficult to distinguish clearly between the paludamentum and other Roman cloaks,such as the sagum,since their classification is rather vague and clearly bears the imprint of a modern view of this issue. Nevertheless,it is generally accepted that the paludamentum had a longer length,better quality and lower density of fabric,which made it possible to achieve more beautiful draperies. It was also worn not only on the shoulders,but often wrapped around the hips like a scarf,after which one end was thrown over the left arm. Later,the imperial mantle was derived from the paludamentum. The classic paludamentum was made from a rectangular piece of fabric and fastened with a fibula on the left shoulder. It was more of a badge of distinction than of practical use. It often depicted Roman emperors on coins and monuments.
Bust of Septimius Severus in paludamentum. Late 2nd,early 3rd century AD
Patterns of Roman cloaks foundRelated topics
Legate,Paenula,Sagum,Toga,Chlamys,Himantium,Fibula
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