02-17-2007, 02:27 AM
Giannis, I don't think we have enough pictorial evidence to know either way. I personally think if the Spartans had used a chlamys at all it would only have been used for something like hunting or travel. I haven't seen any representations of it in Spartan art. During the othismos you probably didn't need that much space but hoplites could fight in more open order. The Nereid Monument does show soldiers wearing the chlamys but we don't have a positive identification of Spartans wearing the chlamys. The only thing which would suggest the use of the chlamys would be images of the very Spartan Dioscuri but I think they are portrayed wearing the cloak for riding http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/gpr/img/fig32.jpg & http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21105m/0 ... 05m054.jpg .
The treasury of the Sicyons has a relief of the Dioscuri returning from a cattle raid wearing the chlamys
http://www.odysseyadventures.ca/article ... oscuri.htm .
I would love to see more images of the chlamys in Spartan art. Until then I have doubts about Spartans wearing them at all outside of hunting, riding or perhaps travelling.
The treasury of the Sicyons has a relief of the Dioscuri returning from a cattle raid wearing the chlamys
http://www.odysseyadventures.ca/article ... oscuri.htm .
I would love to see more images of the chlamys in Spartan art. Until then I have doubts about Spartans wearing them at all outside of hunting, riding or perhaps travelling.
Peter Raftos
