The calceus (pl. ''calcei'': cf Latin ''calx'' "ankle") was a mid-weight, outdoor walking "shoe-boot", worn in ancient Rome. It was flat-soled, usually hobnailed and entirely covered the foot and ankle, up to the lower shin. It was secured with crossed thongs or laces.
Lighter than the openwork
caligae
Caligae ( Latin; singular ) are heavy-soled hobnailed military sandal-boots that were worn as standard issue by Roman legionary foot-soldiers and auxiliaries, including cavalry.
History
Caligae (singular ') are heavy-duty, thick-soled o ...
favoured by the Roman military, ''calcei'' were considered a distinctive part of Rome's public, civilian "national dress", which centered on the
toga
The toga (, ), a distinctive garment of ancient Rome, was a roughly semicircular cloth, between in length, draped over the shoulders and around the body. It was usually woven from white wool, and was worn over a tunic. In Roman historical tra ...
as an exclusive mark of Roman male
citizenship
Citizenship is a "relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection".
Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and ...
. The ''calcei'' of most
ordinary citizens were probably a natural brown tanned leather. The
equestrian class had its own distinctive form of ''calceus'', with crescent-shaped buckles. Male citizens of
senatorial rank and office, including certain
priesthoods
Clergy are formal leaders within established religions. Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the ter ...
, were expected to wear a red-bordered
toga praetexta
The toga (, ), a distinctive garment of ancient Rome, was a roughly semicircular cloth, between in length, draped over the shoulders and around the body. It was usually woven from white wool, and was worn over a tunic. In Roman historiography, ...
and red ''calcei'' (s. ''mulleus calceus'') when engaged in their public duties.
The combination of toga and ''calcei'' was impressive, but also hot and uncomfortable; the Roman poet
Martial claims that in their leisure time, and more relaxed surroundings of rural life, hardly anyone used it. Even in the city, some high-ranking citizens wore light, Greek-style sandals, rather than ''calcei'', to "go with the crowd".
[Edmonson, J. C., ''in'' Edmondson, J. C., and Keith, A., (Editors), ''Roman Dress and the Fabrics of Roman Culture'', University of Toronto Press, 2008, pp. 45-47 and note 75]
See also
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Discalced
A discalced congregation is a religious congregation that goes barefoot or wears sandals. These congregations are often distinguished on this account from other branches of the same order. The custom of going unshod was introduced into the West b ...
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Clothing in ancient Rome
Clothing in ancient Rome generally comprised a short-sleeved or sleeveless, knee-length tunic for men and boys, and a longer, usually sleeved tunic for women and girls. On formal occasions, adult male citizens could wear a woolen toga, draped ov ...
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Soccus
A soccus, meaning slipper in Latin, is a loosely fitting shoe that has no ties, a sole without hobnails, and a separate leather upper. They were worn by the Ancient Romans, at first especially by comic actors (compare the cothurnus for tragic acto ...
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Solea
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Caligae
Caligae ( Latin; singular ) are heavy-soled hobnailed military sandal-boots that were worn as standard issue by Roman legionary foot-soldiers and auxiliaries, including cavalry.
History
Caligae (singular ') are heavy-duty, thick-soled o ...
References
Roman-era clothing
Historical footwear
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