The development of early imperial dress from the Tetrarchs to the Herakleian dynasty

Shaw, Carol (2016). The development of early imperial dress from the Tetrarchs to the Herakleian dynasty. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

My thesis traces developments in the early imperial dress of the emperors and empresses as depicted in art from Diocletian’s reign to Justinian II’s; my analysis includes examples ranging in size from large monuments to small coins. Two theses have been written on the later period but none on the earlier one when the most change occurred. I demonstrate that the emperor’s dress differed from other forms of elite male dress because several symbols of rule, such as the purple cloak and sceptre were associated with it. During this time period, the emperor wore three types of dress: military costume consisting of a cuirass and cloak; civic dress consisting of such garments as a purple cloak called a chlamys, a tunic and jewelled slippers; and ceremonial dress consisting of several types of togas and an under-tunic. The empress' dress consisted of several forms of Roman dress, the chlamys and tunic, and finally bridal dress. In my analyses, I first place the items in their historical context, describe the dress portrayed, and finally analyse how they are used in each work of art. I also provide information on such subjects as the history of imperial purple and the types of crowns.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):