What useful evidence is available to learn about the costume practices of each civilization studied? What are some of the “problems” of certain sources

Minoans

Statues, clay figurines, frescoes (wall paintings)

Problem: Little written evidence survives, and some frescoes may be inaccurate because of modern restorations.

Greeks

Sculpture, vase paintings, mythology, dramatic records, and written records.

Problem: Sculptures often show the Greek idealized body rather than everyday reality.

Etruscans

Tombs, funerary paintings, sculpture, and architecture.

Problem: Very little written evidence survives because much was written on perishable parchment.

Romans

Naturalistic sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, and literary works.

Problems: Many sculptures were made by Greek slave artists, authors sometimes interpreted evidence differently, many pagan statues were destroyed by early Christians, and clothing was often layered and complex, making interpretation difficult.