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subligaculum

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A subligaculum was a kind of underwear worn by ancient Romans. It could come either in the form of a pair of shorts, or in the form of a simple loincloth wrapped around the lower body. It could be worn both by men and women. In particular, it was part of the dress of gladiators, athletes, and actors on the stage. Leather subligacula have been found in excavations of 1st century Roman London.

Key facts

Clothing type.name
Subligaculum
Clothing type.image_file
Villa Romana del Casale BW 2025-04-28 11-11-12.jpg
Clothing type.image_size
150
Clothing type.caption
Female athletes wearing a bikini-like combination of a subligaculum and a very strophium (breast-cloth)(Sicily, 300 AD)
Clothing type.type
Undergarment

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Wikidata facts

Image
Romanbikini.gif
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Article

4 sections
Contents
  • Design and Function
  • Use by Gladiators
  • See also
  • References

A subligaculum was a kind of underwear worn by ancient Romans. It could come either in the form of a pair of shorts, or in the form of a simple loincloth wrapped around the lower body. It could be worn both by men and women. In particular, it was part of the dress of gladiators, athletes, and actors on the stage. Leather subligacula have been found in excavations of 1st century Roman London.

== Design and Function == The longer-form subligaculum that forms a loin cloth is tied as follows: First, the strings are tied around the waist with the long part hanging down back, covering the buttocks. Next, the long part is brought down between the legs and pulled up behind the knot tied in front. Then it is draped over the ties so it forms a loincloth.

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