How is ancient Greek clothing represented in material culture, and how does it portray the intentions and customs of ancient Greek society?

Project by Polygence alum Ryann

How is ancient Greek clothing represented in material culture, and how does it portray the intentions and customs of ancient Greek society?

Project's result

The magazine analyzed and synthesized how the portrayal of ancient Greek statues connected back to their culture and societal perceptions in their time.

They started it from zero. Are you ready to level up with us?

Summary

The purpose of this project is to investigate how ancient Greek clothing showed the beliefs and philosophies of people living in ancient Greek society. The project uses material culture to understand this clothing, including depictions on vases and in sculptures between the Archaic and the Hellenistic period, as well as Roman and early modern imitations. It specifically focuses on how an individual’s clothing shows their role in society, their status, and their circumstances at the time.The project will take the form of a fashion magazine. The magazine will be organized by subject focus, with specific sections devoted to important as well as different types of clothing. The garments, accessories, degree of nudity, and other attributes will be described in these subject pages. There are also three essays on the meaning of nudity in Greek sculptures, women’s constraints regarding clothing, and the portrayal of status using clothing. Once completed, the magazine could be shared as a contribution to the study of ancient Greek clothing and published as an educational resource.

Sarah

Sarah

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects

Quantitative, Literature, Social Science, History

Expertise

Archaeology; Classics; Ancient History; Greek Language and Mythology; Digital Humanities

Ryann

Ryann

Student

Graduation Year

2026

Project review

“The attention and assistance with my project exceeded my expectations”

About my mentor

“Sarah is very kind and patient! She is helpful and is great at directing the course of the project.”