Posted on 09/09/2023 2:56:57 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A mosaic from an Roman villa in Sicily depicts ten women wearing an ancient version of the two-piece bikini. Credit: TyB / CC-BY-2.0 / Wikimedia Commons It is believed that the bikini was a 20th century invention, but an ancient mosaic reveals women in Rome wore it while playing sports.
The Villa Romana del Casale, located in Sicily, dates back to the early fourth century AD. Among the ruins, archeologists have discovered one of the largest collections of ancient Roman mosaics.
All of them are surprisingly well preserved. One of the rooms of the villa is called Sala delle Dieci Ragazze, which can be translated as “Room of the Ten Girls” – based on the number of those depicted in the floor mosaic.
Eight of them wear what in the modern world would be called a two-piece bikini, another woman wears a yellow translucent dress, while the image of the only one figure has not survived to this day.
The bottom of this set of clothing looks like a terracotta-colored band made of fabric or leather, similar to men’s loincloths. As for the top, it is reminiscent of a modern strapless breastband. Such chest harnesses also have their own history and have been known since the times of Ancient Greece. It is believed that most often the material for this was linen. This piece of clothing was intended for women leading an active lifestyle and partaking in physical exercise.
Grecian Delight supports Greece
Thus, it can be assumed that in ancient times such a bikini was not used for swimming, but rather for sports. This is exactly what all the women depicted in the mosaic are doing. Some of them run, and others throw a discus or hold weights in their hands.
Two women are playing with a ball together. Researchers speculate that this could be some kind of early form of volleyball. In general, ball games are considered one of the most ancient. Their mentions can be found in Homer’s Odyssey. One of the girls, standing in the center, holds a palm branch in one hand and is about to place a victory crown on her head – probably a reward for the best performance. All the women look athletic and have noticeable muscle outlines on their arms and legs.
When it comes to sports, women in ancient Rome were permitted to practice physical forms of exercise, but they faced certain restrictions within a patriarchal society. They were not allowed to take part in competitions with men, and public female nudity was frowned upon. Therefore, a kind of prototype of the modern bikini made it possible to play sports without much inconvenience.
Ancient Leather “Thong”
This mosaic is not the only evidence of the ancient roots of this garment. Another bikini bottom, or more precisely something resembling a leather thong, was found in 1998 by British archeologists.
It is believed that it corresponds precisely to the modern analogue of swimming trunks and is fastened with tiny strings. This interesting ancient exhibit is now being presented in the London Museum.
adding credence to what I said earlier?
Someone once said “There is nothing new under the Sun”
another said “Human nature never changes”
A lot of the time I wonder if this is really true.
I was under the impression that the women on Bikini atoll wore such an outfit — is that not true?
LOL
“You’re my boy, Saddam. Love ya’”
Bottom row, L to R: Lia Thomas stealing someone else’s award plus a nip slip; “Y’all seriously gonna let the man bitch get away with this?”; Riley Gaines, taking award back; oversized hackey-sak volleyball.
Yeah, just like now, when the female breasts are all covered because the men aren’t interested in them.
The iconic swimsuit became a revolution piece of fashion for women all over the world's beaches. Celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Marylin Monroe wore the two-piece adding to its popularity in the 60s; thanks to the two Parisian designers.
Note, "the Atome" , which seems to be a reference to the earlisest atomic explosions there.
So , I'm inclined to believe that atomic testing was an inspiration for the swimsuIt name.
[Bikini designer] Réard hoped his swimsuit's revealing style would create an "explosive commercial and cultural reaction" similar to the explosion at Bikini Atoll.
Took the family to that very site 22 years ago.
Sicily is a great place to visit if you like history...and food.
Interesting plural use of “bikini” in the title.
Does that make one bikini a bikina?
Bikini is an Eponym.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
