Apetasos (Ancient Greek:πέτασος) orpetasus (Latin) is a broad brimmed hat ofThessalian origin worn byancient Greeks,Thracians andEtruscans,[1] often in combination with thechlamys cape. It was made of woolfelt,leather,straw or animal skin. Women's versions had a high crown while those for men featured a lower crown.[2] It was worn primarily by farmers, travellers and hunters, and was considered characteristic of rural people. As a winged hat, it became the symbol ofHermes, theGreek mythological messenger god.[3]
Along with thepileus, the petasos was the most common hat worn in Ancient Greece.[4] Its wide brim protected the wearer from the sun and rain while a lengthy strap allowed wearers to secure it under the chin. Its popularity later extended to the Etruscans, the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Empire, in slightly modified forms.[5]
A type of metal helmet worn byAthenian cavalry was made in the shape of a petasos. Some examples have holes around the outer edge of the brim, presumably so a fabric cover could be attached. These are known fromreliefs andvase paintings, with at least one archaeological example found in an Athenian tomb.[6]
._Struck_circa_460-450_BC._Young_male_head_right%2c_wearing_petasos.jpg)
._Head_of_Hermes_right%2c_wearing_winged_petasos_One-handled_lekythos.jpg)
Media related toPetasos at Wikimedia Commons
