Headwear

Евсеенков А.С.

In the ancient world, headwear made primarily of fabric (felted wool) and straw, and sometimes leather, was prevalent. They were worn by both men and women of all existing peoples of that time - Celts, Romans, Greeks, Dacians, Parthians, and so on. Each region had its own peculiarities, often with headwear resembling helmets in shape. Some of the headwear found by archaeologists were likely used as undercaps.

Headwear protected its wearer from heat and cold, provided protection in battle, and served as a fashionable accessory.

Hats saved their owner from heat and cold, protected them in battle, and were also a fashion accessory.

Among the headwear of the Greco-Roman culture, several types can be distinguished:

Regular caps: Round-shaped, sometimes with cheekpieces. They resembled roman helmets in shape.

Mitra or Phrygian cap: Elongated caps with a characteristic "pompom".

Petaus: Caps with wide brims, presumably made of straw.

Pileus: Resembled the shape of the Greek helmets of the same name.

Causia.

Mosaic from the House of Orpheus. Pafos, Archaeological Park. 2-3 century AD

Image from an Etruscan burial urn. 2nd century BC

Ancient Greek wearing a headdress. Found in Apulia. Kept in the Louvre Museum, France. 4th century BC

There are more archaeological sources available to us than pictorial ones. Many headwear items have been found in Egypt, with the majority made of wool.