Greek clothing styles around 427 BC

Sophocles wrote Oedipus around 427 BC, and it can be assumed that, although the theatre costumes would be more extravagant, they would still reflect the clothing styles of this era.

During this time the Greek fashion consisted of several layers of fabrics and wraps.
-Men and women both wore a tunic, it was a light tissue, sometimes made of wool or silk and worn next to the skin. It was constructed of two square pieces of fabric sewn together with claps that held it together over the shoulder. *Note: Jocasta was wearing a tunic when Oedipus removed the broaches at her shoulders*

Greek women wearing the common dress of the time

-Women would commonly wear a girdle with the tunic. It was also not uncommon to wear two girdles of different sizes.
-Philosophers and other male figures would sometimes abstain from wearing tunics and instead throw a cloak or mantle over their naked bodies.
-Women would also wear a second garment that would tie around the chest and was secured by clasps.
-Both sexes would also wear a peplum, which was wound around the body. Under the arms and then over the shoulders was most common. This was reserved for ceremonies most commonly.
-Traveling men would often be seen with a flat broad brimmed hat tied under the chin to protect them from the sun.
-Shoes during this time were not often worn. Sometimes a simple sole with strings tied around the ankle would be enough to wear. Other times shoes consisted of a sole with a covering of animal fur over the foot and strings tied around the ankle.
-It is also a misconception that all Greek fashion was white or gray colored, vases have shown that Greek fashion was quite colorful.
-Oedipus was a the king of Thebes and such he would be dressed very grandly. Probably adorning an olive branch wreath to show peace.

"Clothing of Ancient Greek Women." Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/costume/costume.html>.

Hope, Thomas. Costumes of the Greeks and Romans. New York: Dover Publications, 1962. Print.

Oedipus terms and definitions

Within the play of Oedipus there are many terms that might not be easily recognized by modern people. These terms are of importance because they help construct the given circumstances of the play and need to be represented as authentically as possible.

Terms:

Olive Branch Garland

•   Priest:  "Cities in the Graeco‐Roman world always had men and women, often of high rank, specially chosen for the service of the gods and goddesses. They might be serving for life or for a fixed term; they might be holding a hereditary position, or be publicly elected or selected by some other method. The offices always carried honour, but often too, esp. in later periods, the expectation of high expenditure by the holders. The duties varied widely, from quite humble service to high authority and power" (ORO, priest) The Greeks had both men and women priests, the men for the gods, and women for the goddesses
• olive garland branch: to hold an olive garland branch is to show peace and reconciliation.  (ORO, olive branch)
• .votive offerings: voluntary dedications to the gods, usually during a time of anxiety. These gifts for the gods consisted of everything from locks of hair, tools, prizes, small statuettes, and masks.

CWU Brooks Library - Login from Off Campus. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/views/SEARCH_RESULTS.html?y=0&q=greek votive offerings&x=0&ssid=1219570089&time=0.289072341390927>.

Oedipus; A short summery of the play

Summary:
The basic plot of Oedipus is a prophet tells King Laius and Queen Jocasta that their son will one day murder his father and marry his mother. Horrified by this the King and Queen order that their son be taken to the mountains and killed. However, the man in charge of this instead leaves the baby Oedipus on the mountain. Later the baby is found and adopted by Queen Periboea in a neighboring town. After becoming a man, Oedipus is traveling to other towns when he stumbles upon King Laius. After a disagreement, Oedipus kills Laius. Then, after a proclamation is made that whoever solved the Sphinx's riddle will be king, Oedipus comes to Thebes and solves the puzzle. After being named king, Oedipus then marries Jocasta, unknowing that this is his true mother. After having several children and ruling for many years, the prophet comes back and reveals the truth about Oedipus marrying his mother and killing his father. Upon hearing this, Oedipus gouges his eyes out and Jocasta commits suicide. Finally, Oedipus is put into exile by his own sons who take over the thrown and cast out their cursing father.

"Oedipus and the Sphinx" c. 470 BC, Etruscan Museum, The Vatican

History:
Oedipus was wrote by Sophocles around 427 BC. It is said to have been first performed in 428 BC.

Commentary:
The picture to the right is a painted plate said to have been painted around 470 BC in Greece. It depicts Oedipus listening to the Sphinx's riddle. This classical Greek piece shows Oedipus dressed as a traveler, wearing a hat, perhaps to block the sun, and what appears to be a bag around his shoulder. Oedipus is also depicted as having a rather large beard which conveys that he is a man and perhaps a man of great authority.


"Oedipus the King." Hellenica, Information about Greece and Cyprus, Michael Lahanas. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/LX/OedipusKing.html>.

"Oedipus - Greek Mythology Link." Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Oedipus.html>.
Image:
"Oedipus and the Sphinx, Vatican Museum." Hellenica, Information about Greece and Cyprus, Michael Lahanas. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/OedipusAndTheSphinxVatican.html>.