Abolla

The abolla was a type of cloak or mantle worn in ancient Rome and other parts of the Roman world. It was a simple, rectangular piece of woolen cloth, typically folded and fastened at the shoulder or chest with a fibula (brooch) or pin. Unlike the toga, which was a garment of citizenship and formal wear, the abolla was considered a more practical and less formal garment.

Its origins are believed to be either Greek or possibly from the Etruscans or other Italic peoples predating Rome. While the toga was associated with peace and Roman civic life, the abolla was often associated with war, travel, or rustic occupations. Soldiers, especially auxiliary troops, frequently wore the abolla, as did travelers needing a sturdy and warm covering. Philosophers, particularly those of the Cynic school, sometimes adopted the abolla as a symbol of their rejection of conventional norms and comfort.

The color and quality of the abolla could vary depending on the wearer's status and wealth. While simple, undyed wool was common, wealthier individuals might have worn abollae made of finer wool and dyed in various colors. Its practicality and relative simplicity made it a popular garment throughout the Roman Empire, worn by a wide range of people for various purposes. While the toga remained the symbol of Roman citizenship, the abolla served as a versatile and functional piece of clothing for everyday life.