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The ancient Egyptians wore sandals made of palm leaves, papyrus, [4] and—at least in grave goods —gold. Egyptian statues and reliefs show sandals both on the feet and carried by sandal-bearers. According to Herodotus, papyrus footwear was part of the required dress of the Egyptian priests. [5]
Varying footwear styles reflected the differences of age, gender and social status among the ancient Greeks. This example, dating to the 6th century B.C.E., is a balsamaria (an ancient vessel for holding balsam) in the shape of a lower leg wearing an open-toed sandal.
Ancient Greek sandals surpassed their utilitarian purpose and became a symbol of cultural identity. As the sandals adorned the feet of individuals from various social classes, they offered a sense of unity and shared experience.
But when did it all started? How this simple pair of shoe took over our wardrobes all over the world? How did they become part of every style anyone can have? The word sandal has Greek origin: σάνδαλον > sandalon. The Greeks would distinguish the sandals between the paxeia and the kothornos.
Turning to ancient Greece, you'd find that sandals, known as "sandalia," were primarily worn by women and featured wooden or leather soles. Their styles varied, often reflecting the wearer's social status, showcasing how fashion intertwined with societal norms.
The most common footwear for ordinary Greek young men was carbatinae and boots. Ancient Greek cotournes (a), carbatines (b), light boots (c) During the Hellenistic period, sandals were adorned with various metal fittings. Men's sandals with a leather back and open toes were called krepides.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also wore sandals; the Greek god Hermes (known to the Romans as Mercury) is often portrayed with winged sandals. However, with the rise of Christianity, sandals fell into disrepute, as church leaders thought sandals left women’s feet too naked.
Early Beginnings: Practicality and Symbolism. In Ancient Mesopotamia (circa 3000 BCE) leather sandals had intricate designs, indicating social status and how they were used in ceremonies. In Ancient Greece (circa 1200 BCE), leather sandals were called "crepida" and they were worn by men and women.
Greek Footwear. Early Minoan and Mycenaean men and women living between about 3000 b.c.e. and 1200 b.c.e. mostly went barefoot, but they did have a variety of sandals, shoes, and boots for outdoor wear. Early Greeks living between about 800 b.c.e. and 146 b.c.e. followed this tradition as well.
The ancient Greek names of sandals, shoes, boots and slippers are given with relevant citations from passages of ancient writers. The names of footwear are considered according to five small groups, devoted to those known from the early archaic ripe and late archaic, the classical, the Hellenistic and the Roman period, respectively.