Caligae

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A Roman caliga
A Roman caliga
For the Roman Catholic liturgical garment Caligae, see Liturgical stockings.

Caligae (Latin; singular caliga) are heavy-soled military shoes or sandals which were worn by Roman legionary soldiers and auxiliaries throughout the history of the Roman Republic and Empire. They were worn by all ranks up to and including centurions.

The sandals were constructed from leather and laced up the center of the foot and onto the top of the ankle. Additionally, iron hobnails were hammered into the sole, serving three purposes:

  • to reinforce the caligae
  • to provide the soldier with better traction
  • to 'weaponise' the caligae (i.e. to allow the soldier to inflict damage by kicking with them)

[edit] See also

  • Caligula (The nickname of the Emperor Caius means 'little sandal' and was bestowed by his father's legionaries when he was a child.)

[edit] External links