05-03-2010, 08:33 PM
John,
As Graham has already pointed out, the weight of the material may be what distinguished it from other cloaks. I am sure YOU can distinguish the difference between a piece of calico and a piece of canvas of the same dimensions, despite their both being made from cotton. I think the Romans were intelligent enough to tell the difference between two different weights of woollen cloth and it would not be unreasonable for them to have given them different names, just as today we are comfortable with different names for different weights or treatments of the same basic material.
Regarding significance or otherwise of clavi, have you stopped to consider the very real likelihood that many, if not the majority of slaves, may well have been dressed in their owners' cast offs?
In closing, can I echo Robert's comment about quoting? It has been exercising my patience too as I have been following this discussion. :wink:
Crispvs
As Graham has already pointed out, the weight of the material may be what distinguished it from other cloaks. I am sure YOU can distinguish the difference between a piece of calico and a piece of canvas of the same dimensions, despite their both being made from cotton. I think the Romans were intelligent enough to tell the difference between two different weights of woollen cloth and it would not be unreasonable for them to have given them different names, just as today we are comfortable with different names for different weights or treatments of the same basic material.
Regarding significance or otherwise of clavi, have you stopped to consider the very real likelihood that many, if not the majority of slaves, may well have been dressed in their owners' cast offs?
In closing, can I echo Robert's comment about quoting? It has been exercising my patience too as I have been following this discussion. :wink:
Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers. :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:
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<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
