General Hats, Military Hats

Petasos

petasos brimmed hat by By Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

The first known brimmed hat

A Petasos is an ancient Greek sun hat of Thessalian origin worn, Thracians and Etruscans, often worn with an achlamys cape. Petasos were made of wool felt, leather or straw, with a broad, floppy brim. WIth the addition of wings, the hat became the symbol of Hermes, the Greek messenger god.

A Petasos shaped metal helmet was worn by Athenian cavalry. Examples have holes around the outer edge of the brim where a fabric cover would be attached. These are seen on reliefs and vase paintings, with an archaeological example found in an Athenian tomb.

Other names for Petasos

  • Petasus

Famous Petasos wearers

  • Hermes
  • Athenian Cavalry