Fashion history Etruria and Rome - Essay Example

In what ways did Greek costumes influence Etruscan styles? In what ways did Etruscan costumes influence Roman styles? Estrcuans and Greeks of the archiac period had similar clothing; the Greeks in the archaic period wore a sort of robe noted at the front which later gave way to the tunica in Etruscan society. What were some of the elements of Etruscan costume that can be used to differentiate Etruscan from Greek costumes? Compared to the Greek costume, the Etruscan costumes were more shaped in the sleeves, and they flared out at the ends.

They also had a fit that mold closely to the body. What are the major sources of information about Etruscan costume and what problems do they present? The major sources of information were burial tombs, paintings, sculptures, pottery and a few written records. However, there is no definite proof of how the Etruscan society was built and fell. What factors account for the fact that a great deal more is known about Roman costume than costume of the earlier periods? The Romans were prudent compared to the Greeks; they wore loin cloths in the field or at a military exercise.

The weight and texture of roman fabrics would stay put and not slip over. What limitations exist in the sources of evidence about Roman costume? Relatively few inscriptions survived from the Roman Republic. Additionally, there was lack of archival and statistical evidence of such costumes. They also lacked direct evidence. Identify the components or decorative elements of Roman costume for men, for women, and for children that convey information about the status of the wearer and explain what these components would communicate to other Romans.

Roman men wore tunics ending about the knee. They were worn by men of all classes. Women wore an inner tunic and an outer tunic that looked like a chiton, These indicated that they were free or married. Chidren wore a toga, like the adults. By comparing and contrasting specific items of costume, such as the Greek himation and the Roman toga or the Roman tunic and the Greek chiton, identify the differences in Greek and Roman clothing and relate them to differences in their cultures. The himation was less voluminous compared to the toga.

The toga was only worn by men, while the himation was worn by both men and women. The chiton was loosely compared to the tunic. What changes came about in Roman costume toward the close of the Imperial period that can be seen as evidence of a decline of the power of the empire Roman costumes within the Imperial era became dark and colourful. They also became more decent with the rise of the Christian Empire.