Gifts of Clothing in Late Antique Literature Taking on the Mantle of Authority

Gifts of Clothing in Late Antique Literature Taking on the Mantle of Authority

By Nikki Rollason

Book Description

This scholarly exploration reveals how ancient authors wielded clothing as a powerful literary tool to shape perceptions of authority and spiritual leadership. Nikki Rollason examines the fascinating intersection of material culture and textual meaning in late antiquity, uncovering how gifts of ceremonial garments functioned far beyond their physical presence.

The study focuses on three pivotal garments that carried profound symbolic weight: the consul's trabea, the imperial chlamys, and the Christian bishop's pallium. Rather than simply documenting historical costume practices, Rollason demonstrates how ancient writers strategically employed these clothing gifts within their narratives to reinforce or establish the authority of both wearers and givers.

What emerges is a nuanced understanding of how material objects served as vehicles for deeper conversations about power, community relationships, and spiritual legitimacy. The author argues that when these prestigious garments appeared in literary works, they created a symbolic space where questions of authentic leadership could be addressed and resolved through the act of ceremonial giving.

For readers interested in the intersection of material culture and spiritual authority, this work offers insights into how external symbols have long been used to communicate internal truths about leadership and community belonging. The book illuminates the sophisticated ways ancient authors navigated complex social hierarchies through the simple yet profound act of bestowing sacred vestments.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 204 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore History and criticism
  • ✓ Explore Latin literature
  • ✓ Explore SOCIAL SCIENCE
  • ✓ Explore Cultural
  • ✓ Explore Public Policy
  • ✓ Explore Popular Culture
  • ✓ Explore Greece, social life and customs
  • ✓ Explore Manners and customs

Topics Covered

History and criticism Latin literature SOCIAL SCIENCE Cultural Public Policy Popular Culture Greece, social life and customs Manners and customs Literatur Anthropology Rome, social life and customs Social life and customs Social structure in literature Authority in literature Cultural Policy Männerkleidung Men's clothing Sources Gabe Gifts POLITICAL SCIENCE Latin literature, history and criticism Greek literature Spätantike Clothing and dress in literature Greek literature, history and criticism Gifts in literature History

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