Seems to me that one of the things we might find crazy in the way others dress in today's diverse fashion world was not that uncommon way back when. In fact, the first appearance of knit socks go much further back than we might have imagined...as in Egypt!
The First Socks Were Worn With Sandals
Photo credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Today’s classic fashion faux pas was actually the first method of wearing this clothing item. The earliest-known knit socks are from Egypt, dating back to the 3rd–6th centuries AD.
Most of sock history occurred in colder climates, so why there were socks in ancient Egypt is a mystery. These were constructed of knitted wool, often in bright colors, with a division between the first two toes to allow for use with sandals. Basically, they were the first fashion socks because they were probably not needed for warmth.
The Romans also wore socks with their sandals. Bare-toed Roman soldiers suffered in damp northern climates like Britain, and archaeological evidence (the Vindolanda tablets) shows they would write home to request more socks be sent.
How do we know they wore them with sandals? A dig in Britain turned up a sandal with fabric fibers caught on pieces of metal inside the shoe. So, yes, this world-conquering empire expanded at the hands of armed warriors on the frontiers who wore sandals with socks.
I knew that socks had been around for a while, but never that long...and I had no idea that Roman soldiers ever wore them with sandals. Somehow it makes the typical dress code at some of the resorts around seem a lot more fashionable, ya know?
Coffee out on the patio again this morning!
9 comments:
socks in egypt--keep out sand and pebbles?
I had no idea that socks had been around that long. But it sure makes sense. Just trying to protect your feet while wearing sandals makes a whole lot of sense to me. Nothing worse than sand between the foot and sandal. Have a great weekend.
Hey Deborah...
I have no idea why they did it. Makes sense to me, though.
Thanks for stopping by this morning!
Hey Linda...
I've never worn sandals, so I'll have to take your word for it!
Thanks for coming over today!
Wow~ They only had two toes! LOL! Good post, Mr. Hermit!!
Hey Phyllis...
The socks do look a bit strange, don't they?
Thanks for the visit today!
I had no idea either. But how did they manage to get all their toes into these socks? They surely don't look like much room in them.
Wind is howling like mad out here and you can't see very far for the dust or is it sand. Don't think I will be working on the camper if this doesn't die down soon.
I can't stand to wear any type of shoe without socks, except for rubber flippers when swimming.
And diabetics are told to wear socks with everything, including sandals, so too bad for fashion of today ~
Hey Jo...
I'm sure they were bigger than the picture indicates. Just can't tell from the angle.
Thanks, sweetie, for dropping by today!
Hey Dizzy...
Glad you don't wear socks with the flippers! Might make for a great picture, though.
Thanks for coming over today!
Hey Sis...
Gotta do what the doctors say...regardless of what the fashion police insist on.
Thanks for the visit today!
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