§257. Dress of Women.--It has been remarked already (§234) that the dress of men and women differed less in ancient than in modern times, and we shall find that in the classical period at least the principal articles worn were practically the same, however much they differed in name and probably in the fineness of their materials. At this period the dress of the matron consisted in general of three articles: the _tunica interior_, the _tunica exterior_ or _stola_, and the _palla_. Beneath the _tunica interior_ there was nothing like the modern corset-waist or corset, intended to modify the figure, but a band of soft leather (_mamillāre_) was sometimes passed around the body under the breasts for a support (Fig. 96), and the _subligāculum_ (§235) was also worn by women. [Illustration: FIGURE 97. THE STROPHIUM] §258. The Tunica Interior.--The _tunica interior_ did not differ much in material or shape from the tunic for men already described (§236). It fitted the figure more closely perhaps than the man's, was sometimes supplied with sleeves, and as it reached only to the knee did not require a belt to keep it from interfering with the free use of the limbs. A soft sash-like band of leather (_strophium_), however, was sometimes worn over it, close under the breasts, but merely to support them, and in this case we may suppose that the _mamillāre_ was discarded. For this sash (Fig. 97) the more general terms _zōna_ and _cingulum_ are sometimes used. This tunic was not usually worn alone, even in the house, except by young girls. §259. The Stola.--Over the _tunica interior_ was worn the _tunica exterior_, or _stola_, the distinctive dress of the Roman matron (§91). It differed in several respects from the tunic worn as a house-dress by men. It was open at both sides above the waist and fastened on the shoulders by brooches. It was much longer, reaching to the feet when ungirded and having in addition a wide border or flounce (_īnstita_) sewed to the lower hem. There was also a border around the neck, which seems to have been usually of purple. The _stola_ was sleeveless if the _tunica interior_ had sleeves, but if the tunic itself was sleeveless the _stola_ had them, so that the arm was always protected. These sleeves, however, whether in tunic or _stola_, were open on the front of the upper arm and only loosely clasped with brooches or buttons, often of great beauty and value. [Illustration: FIGURE 98. THE ZONA] [Illustration: FIGURE 99. STATUE OF THE YOUNGER FAUSTINA]