Strophium
Strophium (Latin strophium) is a female breast band,an analog of a modern bra. Initially,strofium appeared in Greece and was a leather bandage on the chest for sports. Fixing the breasts made it possible to avoid the inconvenience associated with their excessive inertia during sudden movements,and made it easier to play sports or active games. This type of clothing was quickly adopted by Roman women and became especially popular among young unmarried girls. It is assumed that strofium was used for the same purpose by gladiatresses in battles and in training. Neither cloth nor leather strophiums had clasps and were tied in a knot. It is also known about the existence of another type of bandage on the chest — mamillare (Latin mamillare). It is assumed that the main difference from strophiumwas less breast-tightening.
Visual and reconstruction guide
The strophium was a breast band known from Roman images of women in movement, sport and performance contexts. For reconstruction, note band width, material, tying method and whether it is worn under clothing or as a visible scene element.
| Feature | How to read the image | Reconstruction note |
|---|---|---|
|
Width |
In images it usually reads as a relatively narrow band, not as a modern bra. |
Do not add modern cups, fasteners or elastic details. |
|
Material |
Exact fabrics are rarely visible; soft woven materials are plausible. |
Linen or wool is more convincing than modern synthetics. |
|
Tying |
Images often show the front of the body, so the knot is often a reconstruction hypothesis. |
Label what comes from the source and what is a practical wearing solution. |
Pattern notes
- The basic layout is a long rectangular band without modern shaped parts.
- Set width and tension first, then test arm and shoulder movement.
- For public reconstruction, state the context: sport, dance, performance or undergarment.
Mosaic with girls in subligakum. Villa del Casale,Piazza Armerina,Sicily,Italy. 4th century ADReconstruction
The stanzium is especially necessary for the reconstruction of moving images — gladiators,dancers,gymnasts. It is recommended to sew it from a thin linen cloth,so that you can wind the fabric in several layers and easily tie it in a knot for attachment to the body. To make a strophium,you will need a piece of fabric about 3 meters long (to save money,you can sew it from several pieces) and a width of 20-30 cm (this parameter is individual and selected for comfort reasons). The ends of the canvas can be narrowed to make it easier to tie them,and it is desirable to bend the fabric around the perimeter and sweep it for a more neat look. It is also possible to create strophium from fine wool or leather.
Gladiatrix in strofium,reconstruction
Gladiatrix in strofium,reconstruction
Strop,reconstruction,and a possible way to tie a knot.Related topics
A woman in Ancient Rome,Gladiator
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