Ancient Roman Sandals Discovered: Their Realistic Depiction Sparks Desire to Don Them
In the heart of Sicily lies the ancient estate of Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its stunning collection of Roman mosaics, preserved in their original location. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed even more treasures, including a mosaic of sandals that bear a striking resemblance to modern flip-flops.
The mosaic, named "le Palestriti," depicts ten women participating in athletic competitions, with some carrying weights that resemble modern five-pound dumbbells. The design is unique as it showcases elements of modern culture, such as beach vibes and athletic competitions.
Contrary to popular belief, Roman soldiers wore heavy hobnailed sandals known as caligae, with a strap or thong that ran between the first and second toes, not between the second and third toes. This design was essential for the functionality and comfort of open Roman sandals, as confirmed by multiple sources including mosaics and archaeological finds.
The flip-flops discovered at Villa Romana del Casale consist of two pale flip-flops with slightly elongated big toes and black thongs. While the exact way they would have been worn remains unknown, it is clear that they are not strictly beachwear for the ancient Romans.
The archaeological work was conducted by over 40 students and researchers from around the world who participated via the international Summer School of Archaeology ArchLabs. Another fascinating find includes a mosaic inscription and three columns, further confirming the Villa's extremely high level of artistry and architecture.
The recent discovery at Villa Romana del Casale serves as a reminder of the similarities between ancient and modern cultures. It demonstrates that even thousands of years ago, people were fashion-conscious and enjoyed leisure activities, much like we do today. The "le Palestriti" mosaic, with its modern-looking flip-flops, is a testament to this enduring connection between the past and the present.
[1] https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Sandals/ [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/caliga [4] https://www.villaromanadelcasale.it/en/mosaics/
