Expert: Francesco Marchesani - 10/29/2003

Question
Hello, Francesco!

I'm writing a story that takes place in the Roman Empire around 75 AD.  Pliny the Elder was a prefect of the Roman navy at Naples, at the time.

For illustration purposes, could you tell me what a naval prefect might wear? Is it an honorary role where he'd wear civilian clothes, or would some sort of uniform be involved?

If a uniform, could you refer me to any illustration online, or recommend a book which might picture something like it?  

I certainly would appreciate any help you can give me! :)

Thanks,

Inkwolf

Answer
Hello, and sorry for the delay in my answer to you!

This website explains the various clothes used by the Romans:

http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/clothing.html

Pliny's family was of "equestrian" status so he would usually wear a tunica augusticlavia. Please note that there wasn't any official uniform for a praefect or any other officer (with the exceptions explained in the above website about the "curule" magistrates); if necessary, of course, Pliny would have wore an officer's breast plate and helmet... but when he died, he surely wore just his tunic.

If you need further help, feel free to contact me directly at fmarchesani@hotmail.com

Good luck for your story!