Subligaculum
Definition: Leather shorts or a loincloth worn by either sex in Ancient Rome and early Ancient Greece, particularly by athletes. When worn by grape treaders, actors, the popa or slaves it was called a "limus". It may have been worn as underwear by either sex. This is a Latin term; see the Greek equivalents below. Plural: Subligacula.
Period: Ancient Rome and early Ancient Greece.
Etymology: N/A
Related terms: Diazoma/διάζωμα (Greek), limus (Latin - when worn by slaves, actors, the popa or grape treaders), perizoma/περίζωμα (Greek)
Period: Ancient Rome and early Ancient Greece.
Etymology: N/A
Related terms: Diazoma/διάζωμα (Greek), limus (Latin - when worn by slaves, actors, the popa or grape treaders), perizoma/περίζωμα (Greek)
In context:
"Et nos sane cum illo sentimus; sed Tiro Tullius M. Ciceronis libertus, 'lictorem' vel a 'limo' vel a 'licio' dictum scripsit: 'Licio enim transverse, quod 'limum' appellatur, qui magistratibus,' inquit, 'praeministrabant cincti erant.'"
- Attic Nights by Aulus Gellius, 12.3.3. 2nd century AD. |
Now, I for my part agree with him; but Tullius Tiro, the freedman of Marcus Cicero, wrote that the lictor got his name from limus or licium: 'For,' says he, 'those men who were in attendance upon the magistrates were girt across with a kind of girdle called limus."
- Attic Nights by Aulus Gellius, 12.3.3. 2nd century AD. |
Examples:
The "Bikini Girls" mosaic in the Villa Romana del Cesale near Piazza Armerina, Sicily, dating to the 4th century AD. They wear a strophium over their breasts.
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