Common men’s dress

Tunics like this are typical of men’s dress in the Eastern Roman Empire from late Antiquity to the eleventh century. At some point prior to the tenth century Romans adopted the ancient Persian practice of opening the tunic down from the left side of the neck. “True” Romiosi custom (as defined by the conventions of elite art) wore it as shown, while the art of other nationalities influenced by Constantinople show that it was commonly worn in a way that made a feature of it. (Point to the collar for detail in a new window)¹

The turban had gained popularity among Roman men in the eighth century and persisted for centuries. It was never quite accepted as “properly Roman” and so despite being refered to quite often in literature, it is relatively rarely illustrated.

Notes

1. Shown on the Church of the Holy Cross at Aght’amar in Armenia, and a Umayyad carved chest.