Was the Toga worn by Roman
women?
During the early period of
the Roman Republic the toga
was at first worn by women as well as men. However, a
garment called the stola was introduced and worn by married
women. Prostitutes and women condemned for adultery, were not
permitted to wear the stola and forced to wear a toga. A
toga-clad prostitute was called a togatae.
Colors
of the Toga
The colour of the toga worn
by men was generally white, that is, the natural colour of
white wool. Hence it was called pura or vestimentum purum.
The toga was kept white and clean by the fuller. When this
was neglected, the toga was called sordida, and those who
wore such garments sordidati. A black or dark colored toga
was worn as a sign of mourning. The augurs wore a saffron
colored toga. The colors of the borders on the toga
indicated the status of the wearer.
Togas
There were many different
types of toga which were worn by the Romans. Names and
descriptions of the different types of Roman togas are as
follows:
Different Types of Roman
Togas
Toga pura: Was the
common, natural, white color of wool
Toga virilis: Was the plain white toga worn on formal
occasions when which boys assumed upon maturity
Trabea: The 'trabea' which was entirely colored in purple
worn by the Roman Emperors. Also called the purpurea
Toga candida: Was bleached by chalk to a dazzling white worn
by candidates for public office hence the word candidate
Toga praetexta: Had a broad crimson band woven along its
lower border. It was worn by freeborn children of both sexes
and by consuls and priests
Toga pulla: Was a dark colored toga worn during mourning
Toga picta: Was worn by Roman Emperors on special occasions
such as the opening of gladiatorial games. Unlike all other
types of togas, the material was not just dyed purple but
was also richly embroidered and decorated with gold. |