By the Emperor's Hand

By the sixth century of the common era the Roman Empire already had many hundreds of years of accumulated ceremonial embedded in its government, and practical science embodied in its army.

The transition from Republic to Imperium and the more hierarchical structure that entailed, and the absorption of Christianity into state processes, had pushed the development of court ceremonial apace, and particularly driven its embodiment and display in ever more opulent regalia. The regalia embraced not only garments of distinctive form and decoration, but also both dress and non-dress accessories. It was crucial in displaying rank and function on an everyday basis, yet was also varied considerably for special occasions. Military dress largely reflected forms current amongst ordinary men, but with an emphasis on functionality, eschewing the excesses of fashion.

Detailed literary and artistic sources, archaeology and insights derived from reconstruction and practical experience has gone into creating an incredibly lavish picture of the clothing of the longest-enduring political entity in history.

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Some books that may interest you

The Most Dangerous Moment of the War By: John Clancy	Bligh By: Rob Mundle	M4 Sherman By: Pat Ware Illustrations by: Brian Delf
An Anthology of Ancient Mesopotamian Texts By: Sabina Franke	A Doctor In The XIVth Army By: Charles Evans	Allied Armies in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1945 By: Simon Forty
Escaping Occupied Europe By: Hylke Faber, Pieter Stolk	RAF Liberator Over the Eastern Front By: Jim Auton MBE	The History of the War in the Air 1914-1918 By: Professor Sir Walter Raleigh