Chiton (costume)

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For an article about the mollusk, see chiton.

A chiton (Ancient Greek khitōn) was a form of clothing in Ancient Greece, worn by both women and men. A large belt, called the zoster could be worn over the chiton, usually under the breast ("high-girded") or around the waist ("low-girded"). A double-girded style also existed. The chiton was often worn in combination with the heavier himation, which had the role of a cloak. When used alone (without a himation), the chiton was called a monochiton. A long chiton which reached the heels was called a chiton poderes, while a longer one which dragged the ground was called a chiton syrtos.

It was the outfit of Aphrodite because it was considered very feminine, although men also wore it. Dionysus is often depicted wearing it. The chiton was also worn by the Romans, who referred to it as a tunica.

Etymology

The Greek word khitōn can be traced to the Central Semitic word "*kittan", which is from the Akkadian words "kitû" or "kita’um", meaning flax or linen, and originally the Sumerian word "gada" or "gida".

See also

• peplos

References

External links

• Greek clothes
• Greek clothes (French, Pdf)

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Last updated on Monday March 10, 2008 at 03:42:20 PDT (GMT -0700)
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