Chapter 6: Ancient Rome and Early Christianity "Roman Clothes"

Introduction
Students have read about the importance of social distinctions in Roman society. The distinctions extended to all aspects of Roman life, including dress. Now students will learn that how a member of Roman society dressed was a direct reflection of that person's social status.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Roman Clothes Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives
1. The students will learn more about Roman clothes worn by various classes of society.
2. The students will learn how clothes were directly related to a Roman's social class.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. Clothes were generally described as being "draped" or "wrapped." Only the stola is described as being fastened at the shoulders with clasps.
2. Free Roman men wore togas. Originally the toga was an Etruscan garment worn by both men and women of all classes.
3. The materials differed, as did the decorations, length, and color. Footwear, jewelry, hairpieces, and the presence or absence of hats were also revealing.
4. Students' answers will vary but should mention such things as tunic or tunica, toga, quality of material, color and decoration, footwear, and jewelry.

GO TO STUDENT ACTIVITY