12.3 Clothing, food, and material culture

Daily life in Graeco-Roman Egypt was shaped by a blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences. Clothing, food, and material goods reflected this cultural fusion, with garments like chitons and togas coexisting alongside traditional Egyptian linen.

The Mediterranean diet dominated, featuring cereals, legumes, and fish. Material culture thrived, with decorative arts like faience and glassware, and personal adornments such as cosmetics and jewelry playing important roles in society and trade.

Clothing

Greek and Roman Garments

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Top images from around the web for Greek and Roman Garments

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  Greek dress - Wikipedia View original

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  Chiton (garment) - Wikipedia View original

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  Clothing in ancient Greece - Wikipedia View original

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• Chiton was a simple tunic-like garment worn by both men and women in ancient Greece, typically made from a rectangular piece of linen or wool fabric draped over the body and fastened at the shoulders with pins or brooches
• Himation was a larger, heavier cloak worn over the chiton by both men and women in ancient Greece, often used as an outer garment for warmth or as a symbol of social status
• Toga was a distinctive garment worn by male Roman citizens, consisting of a large, semi-circular piece of wool fabric draped over the body in a specific manner, symbolizing the wearer's status as a free Roman citizen
• Stola was a long, pleated dress worn by married Roman women, often accompanied by a palla (a large rectangular shawl) and a strophium (a type of brassiere)

Egyptian Linen

• Egyptian linen was highly prized for its quality, softness, and durability due to the unique properties of flax fibers grown in the Nile Valley
• Linen garments were worn by various classes in ancient Egyptian society (royalty, priests, and commoners) and were used for clothing, bedding, and even as a form of currency or tribute
• The production of linen cloth involved a complex process of harvesting, retting, spinning, and weaving, with different grades of linen used for specific purposes (fine linen for clothing, coarser linen for household items)

Food and Drink

Mediterranean Diet

• The Mediterranean diet in Graeco-Roman Egypt was characterized by a high consumption of cereals (wheat, barley), legumes (lentils, peas), vegetables (onions, garlic, cabbage), fruits (dates, figs, grapes), and olive oil
• Fish and seafood were important sources of protein, especially in coastal regions, while meat (sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) was consumed less frequently and often reserved for special occasions or religious festivals
• Wine was a staple beverage, often consumed diluted with water, and played a significant role in social and religious life (symposia, libations to the gods)

Garum and Amphorae

• Garum was a fermented fish sauce widely used as a condiment and flavoring agent in Graeco-Roman cuisine, produced by salting and fermenting the intestines of small fish (anchovies, mackerel) in large vats
• The production and trade of garum was a significant industry in the Roman Empire, with major production centers located in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa (Neapolis, Lixus)
• Amphorae were ceramic containers used for the storage and transportation of various liquid and semi-liquid products (wine, olive oil, garum, grain) in the ancient Mediterranean world
• The shape and size of amphorae varied depending on their contents and place of origin, with specific types associated with particular regions or products (Rhodian amphorae for wine, Dressel 20 amphorae for olive oil from Baetica)

Material Goods

Decorative Arts

• Faience was a glazed ceramic material used for the production of small decorative objects (amulets, figurines, jewelry) in ancient Egypt, made by molding a mixture of ground quartz, lime, and natron and firing it at high temperatures
• Glassware production flourished in Graeco-Roman Egypt, with Alexandria emerging as a major center for the manufacture of high-quality glass vessels (drinking cups, perfume bottles, mosaic glass) using techniques such as free-blowing, mold-blowing, and casting
• Pottery styles in Graeco-Roman Egypt reflected a fusion of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences, with a wide range of forms (amphora, kraters, unguentaria) and decorative techniques (black-figure, red-figure, terra sigillata) used for both functional and artistic purposes

Personal Adornment

• Cosmetics and jewelry played a significant role in personal adornment and social status in Graeco-Roman Egypt, with both men and women using various cosmetic products (kohl, henna, perfumes) and wearing elaborate jewelry pieces (gold, silver, precious stones)
• Jewelry designs often incorporated religious and apotropaic symbols (eye of Horus, ankh, scarabs) believed to offer protection and bring good fortune to the wearer
• The production and trade of cosmetics and jewelry were important industries in Graeco-Roman Egypt, with specialized workshops and artisans catering to the demands of a diverse and stratified society (royalty, elite, middle class)