new thread
Was it onl required for military service or was there a prohibition against male long hair in General Roman society. I know some Greek Warriors had long hair.
Hi Kenneth,
I don't know that "buzz" cut was ever a Roman thing, military or otherwise. The facts are that Roman male hairstyle changed over time. Typically, Roman men wore shorter cropped hair. Not buzzed, but not shoulder length. Then there were times and individuals who popularized long hair and beards. Cataline and Nero were two who were known for sporting longer hair and beards (Cataline). Pity that they both go down int he books as "bad" guys.
On the bright side, Greek philosophers were known to sport both long hair and long beards and the Romans idealized all things Greek. Horace says that, finally, the conquerors (Rome) were conquered by the conquered (the Greeks). I like to think that means long hair wins!
Bob--aka Latin teacher
I'm sure Rob knows more about this than I do, but I always think of the classic Roman haircut as being what people now call a 'caesar' cut, so even now it's identified by a Roman term. That is to say cut close with scissors, not using clippers atall, and with a short fringe (bangs in American) at the front, without any parting and without brushing the hair to one side atall. That's not in any way close to being a buzz cut (no clippers, so the scalp would never have been visible through the hair).
Of course, I'm sure different people's hair varied from eachother, just as in any culture or period of history, and the Romans ruled for centuries, so there must have been trends over time.
If you are from Northern rather than Southern Europe, or your ancestors were if you are an American, then they would have belonged to the long haired tribes that the Romans regarded as barbarians! Actually, the etymology of that word seems to suggest something to do with beards ...
Right on, Electros! I started to mention "the caesar" but didn't. Actually refers to the way Julius Caesar is portrayed in statuary with his hair. Your description is very good. And, be definition, barbarians (Latin = barbari) were "bearded ones". There is a description in Latin of a Roman military outpost on the northern part of the empire bordering Gaul (parts of present day northern Italy and France) desribing an encounter with what was likely a Celt.
The Celtic warrior was described as "a demon". He was tall, blond, blue-eyed, long hair and beard, and came screaming out of the woods, naked. It was a very effective surprise maneuver against their unsuspecting enemies.
Would have been one of my ancestor types with my heritage all rooted in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. I do try not to run out of the woods naked anymore, however. The neighbors frown.
Bob
Now days,I think that's called streaking.
Arrick
Most opted for short hair-hence the Ceasar cut kind of a long buzz brushed forward (he was going bald). Even wearing helmets-beards and long hair were handles to grab in close hand to hand combat. Greeks did indeed have long hair but used long lances to stab with on foot.