The abolla, from Military Cloak to Symbol of Stoic Philosophy in Ancient Rome

The Latin term abolla derived from the Greek ambole, anabole, anaballo, and means “thrown over.” It was a practical wool cloak used by the ancient Romans as a protective outer garment. With its double-layered, durable design, it served as a warm cloak for soldiers, travelers, and laborers, clipped at the shoulder or front for ease and functionality. Over time, the abolla evolved in both material and cultural symbolism, particularly during the Roman Imperial period when it began to be made from finer fabrics and was adopted in urban life.
The cloak’s transformation from a utilitarian item into a philosophical emblem occurred as Stoic and Cynic philosophers in Rome adopted it as the pallium philosophicum. This garment, following the model of Greek philosophers, became a way for Roman philosophers to differentiate themselves.
The abolla’s simplicity and functionality resonated with Stoic ideals of austerity and modesty, reinforcing their philosophical values. Roman satirists, including Juvenal, noted the cloak’s association with the Stoics, famously coining the phrase "a crime of a very deep philosopher" (facinus majoris abollae), humorously implying a crime committed by a highly committed philosopher.
Beyond its utilitarian and symbolic functions, the abolla sometimes served as a luxury item for the elite, with the cloak of Ptolemy of Mauretania being an extravagant purple version. According to lore, this luxurious abolla attracted the jealousy of Emperor Caligula, contributing to Ptolemy’s eventual demise.

Two men and a Lictor with the fasces, wearing an abolla, a loose wollen cloak worn by ancient Romans.

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Last update: October 30, 2024

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