Pileus (hat)

The pileus was a brimless, felt cap worn in ancient Greece, Etruria, and Rome. It was typically conical or rounded in shape and was often associated with freed slaves, craftspeople, and laborers. In ancient Greece, it was frequently depicted as headwear for sailors and travelers.

In Roman society, the pileus served as a symbol of libertas (freedom). When a slave was manumitted (freed), he was often presented with a pileus, signifying his newly acquired status as a free man. This act of granting the pileus became a potent symbol of emancipation.

The exact form and material of the pileus could vary depending on the region and the social standing of the wearer, but its association with freedom and common labor remained a consistent theme throughout its usage. In artistic representations, the pileus is sometimes used as an attribute to personify liberty.