AQUiLA MAGAZINE

ROMANS

When the Roman Empire was at its height , citizens believed they were the ‘ top dogs ’ at everything . They had the best army , the straightest roads , the finest buildings and the most successful trading links . And this view certainly didn ’ t stop when it came to fashion , darling . Whether meeting friends in the Forum , worshipping in the Temple or trying to avoid the splashes when the action got messy in the Colosseum , you always needed to be decked out in your best , tidiest and cleanest of outfits . For men this was usually a toga , and for women a stola .

Your mission is to kit yourself out in the smartest Roman outfit you can make . Some simple examples are given but it ’ s down to you to experiment and produce your own versions . Why not get a group of friends together and appoint an independent and unbiased judge to assess all the finished results . You could make it a race against the clock . Who can make the chicest toga in the shortest time ? Right Roman fashionistas , are you ready to tog ( a )?

Traditionally Roman togas and stolas were made out of semi-circular pieces of fabric woven from wool that had been bleached to make them as white as possible . Decorated edges were sometimes used or sashes were added to brighten up the appearance . All you need , though , is a clean white flat single or double bedsheet , depending on your height . It ’ s probably best to wear a T-shirt and shorts underneath . Saves embarrassment if your tying technique is not on point !

STEP 1 :

Try the toga first . Fold the sheet in half , long-side to long-side . Hold the sheet lengthways in front of you with outstretched arms . Put the two short ends together and knot . Place the knotted sheet over the head to rest on the right shoulder , one arm in and one arm out .

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ACTIVITY SKILLS 1 hour plus Give yourself plenty of time to experiment

DIFFICULTY

YOU WILL NEED

T-shirt and shorts

One clean white bedsheet

A belt or colourful cord

A coloured sash for decoration ( optional )

For the optional wreath add-on : o Thin card o Scissors o Stapler / glue o Brush and paints

STEP 2 :

Take the bottom of the sheet by each corner . Lift it up at the back , stretch out at arms ’ length and tie another knot with the two ends in front of you . Twist the knot around so that it is resting on your right hip .

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