Clothes make the man, i.e. how a costume helps to play the role of the Byzantine Basileus?

Abstract

The apparel functions in culture in many ways. One of the most popular functions is the manifestation of power. The author analyses this problem discussing the texts concerning the Byzantine Empire written in the 20th century such as (Krzyżowcy i Puszkarz Orbano of Z. Kossak, Srebrne orły of T. Parnicki, Bizantyjska noc of S. Sierecki). The main elements of the apparel of the Emperor
such as a round crown, sandals, purple colour and jewels were not only the symbols of the unlimited power of the basileus but also increased his authority and were a tool of creating a myth of power.
Finally, the apparel of the basileus took part in making the “theater of power” and was the element of the spectacle which aimed at sustaining the illusion about the role and power of the Byzantine
Empire.