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Study Guide: The Roman Toga: History, Symbolism, and Usage

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The Roman Toga: History, Symbolism, and Usage Study Guide

Etymology, Form, and Material

The word 'toga' is believed to originate from the Latin verb 'tegere,' meaning 'to cover.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'toga' is widely believed to derive from the Latin verb 'tegere,' signifying its fundamental function as a covering garment.

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The semi-circular shape of the toga suggests no connection to Etruscan attire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga's semi-circular shape suggests a potential origin from the similar Etruscan garment known as the 'tebenna,' indicating early cultural influences.

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Wool was traditionally used for togas and was believed to have protective powers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wool was the traditional material for togas and was also believed to possess protective qualities against misfortune and the evil eye.

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What was the primary characteristic of the toga in Ancient Rome?

Answer: A roughly semicircular cloth, typically white wool, draped over the body.

Explanation: The toga was fundamentally characterized as a large, roughly semicircular cloth, usually made of white wool, draped over the body as formal attire.

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According to Roman historical tradition, who initially wore the toga?

Answer: Both sexes and the citizen-military.

Explanation: Roman tradition suggests the toga was initially worn by both men and women, as well as the citizen-military, before its use became more restricted.

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What cultural influence might have shaped the toga's semi-circular shape?

Answer: Etruscan garment known as the 'tebenna'.

Explanation: The toga's characteristic semi-circular form is thought to have been influenced by the similar Etruscan garment called the 'tebenna'.

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What was the significance of wool in Roman society beyond its use for togas?

Answer: It was believed to have protective powers against misfortune.

Explanation: Beyond its use for togas, wool was valued in Roman society for its perceived protective qualities against misfortune and the evil eye.

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Classifications and Specific Types

The toga was a garment exclusively worn by Roman women for formal occasions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roman tradition indicates the toga was initially worn by both sexes and the citizen-military. As Roman women adopted the stola, the toga became recognized as formal wear primarily for male Roman citizens.

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The toga praetexta was distinguished by a narrow gold border.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga praetexta was characterized by a broad purple stripe along its border, not a narrow gold one.

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The toga virilis was a plain white toga worn to signify adult male citizenship.

Answer: True

Explanation: The toga virilis, also known as the toga alba or pura, was a plain white garment signifying adult male citizenship, typically worn from adolescence.

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The toga candida was worn by Roman soldiers during military campaigns.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga candida, a chalk-white toga, was worn by candidates seeking public office, not by soldiers during military campaigns.

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The toga picta was a dark-colored toga worn during periods of mourning.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga picta was a highly ornate toga, dyed purple and embroidered with gold thread, worn by generals during triumphs and emperors, not a dark mourning garment.

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The trabea was a garment exclusively worn by Roman emperors.

Answer: False

Explanation: The trabea was associated with citizens of equestrian rank and possibly certain priesthoods, not exclusively emperors.

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The laena was a long, heavy cloak worn by Flamen priesthoods, fastened with a brooch.

Answer: True

Explanation: The laena is described as a long, heavy cloak worn by Flamen priesthoods, secured with a brooch, and sometimes referred to as a 'doubled' toga.

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The purple border on the toga praetexta signified the wearer's low social status.

Answer: False

Explanation: The purple border on the toga praetexta signified the wearer's elevated status, legal protection, and sanctity, rather than low social standing.

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Togas worn by senators were typically a duller shade of white compared to those worn by commoners.

Answer: False

Explanation: Senators wore togas that were meticulously laundered to an exceptional, snowy white, contrasting with the duller shades of togas worn by common citizens.

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The toga was explicitly permitted for slaves and freedmen in Roman society.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga was explicitly forbidden for slaves, freedmen, foreigners, and Roman exiles, serving as a marker of citizenship and status.

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The 'toga muliebris' was a formal garment worn by respectable Roman matrons.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'toga muliebris' is believed to have been worn by certain women, notably higher-class prostitutes, rather than respectable Roman matrons.

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The 'toga contabulata' was a simple, unadorned toga worn by common citizens.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'toga contabulata,' appearing in the late 2nd century AD, was a complex style characterized by broad, pleated panels, not a simple, unadorned garment.

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The 'toga exigua' was a shorter, less costly toga potentially worn by prostitutes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'toga exigua' is described as a shorter, less costly toga, with scholarly suggestions that it may have been worn by unfree prostitutes.

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The 'Broad Eastern Toga' depicted in late 4th-century art was a simple, unadorned garment.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Broad Eastern Toga,' depicted in late 4th-century art, was a heavily embroidered and ornate garment, not simple or unadorned.

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The toga praetexta was worn by freeborn boys and girls before they came of age.

Answer: True

Explanation: The toga praetexta, distinguished by its purple border, was worn by freeborn boys and girls until they reached adulthood.

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The toga pulla could be worn inside out as a toga praetexta for mourning.

Answer: True

Explanation: While the toga pulla was a dark toga for mourning, a toga praetexta could also serve for mourning by being turned inside out.

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The term 'candidate' is derived from the Latin word for a type of toga worn during elections.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'candidate' originates from the Latin 'candidatus,' referring to the dazzling white toga candida worn by those seeking public office.

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The toga praetexta was identifiable by which feature?

Answer: A broad purple stripe along its border.

Explanation: The toga praetexta was distinguished by a broad purple stripe along its border, signifying the wearer's status and protection.

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Who typically wore the toga virilis?

Answer: Adult male citizens on formal occasions.

Explanation: The toga virilis, a plain white toga, was typically worn by adult male citizens on formal occasions to signify their citizenship.

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What was the purpose of the toga candida?

Answer: To be worn by candidates seeking public office.

Explanation: The toga candida, a whitened toga, was worn by individuals campaigning for public office, hence the term 'candidate'.

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Which toga was dark-colored and worn by mourners?

Answer: Toga Pulla

Explanation: The toga pulla was a dark-colored toga specifically worn by individuals in mourning.

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The toga picta, characterized by purple dye and gold thread imagery, was worn by:

Answer: Early Roman kings, generals during triumphs, and emperors.

Explanation: The elaborate toga picta, adorned with purple dye and gold thread, was reserved for high-status individuals such as early kings, triumphant generals, and emperors.

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The trabea was associated with which social rank?

Answer: Equestrian

Explanation: The trabea was a garment associated with citizens of equestrian rank, and in later periods, with consular dress.

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What did the purple border on the toga praetexta signify?

Answer: The wearer's status, protection by law, and sanctity.

Explanation: The purple border of the toga praetexta symbolized the wearer's elevated status, legal protection, and a degree of sanctity.

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In terms of quality, how did the toga virilis differ between senators and common citizens?

Answer: Senators wore exceptionally white togas, commoners wore duller shades.

Explanation: The quality of the toga virilis varied by social class, with senators wearing exceptionally white, meticulously laundered garments, while commoners wore duller shades.

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Which group was explicitly forbidden from wearing the toga?

Answer: Slaves and Roman exiles.

Explanation: Slaves, Roman exiles, foreigners, and individuals with infamous reputations were explicitly forbidden from wearing the toga.

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What was the 'Broad Eastern Toga' depicted in late 4th-century art?

Answer: A heavily embroidered, ornate toga.

Explanation: The 'Broad Eastern Toga,' seen in late 4th-century art, was characterized by extensive embroidery and ornamentation, representing a further evolution of the toga's design.

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The 'toga contabulata' that appeared in the late 2nd century AD was characterized by:

Answer: Broad, smooth panels of pleated material.

Explanation: The 'toga contabulata,' which emerged in the late 2nd century AD, was characterized by its broad, smooth panels of pleated material, representing a complex style.

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Symbolic Meanings and Social Roles

The toga served as a symbol that visually unified the Roman populace, signifying shared citizenship.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite social stratification, the toga functioned as a unifying symbol for the Roman populace, visually representing their shared citizenship and membership in the Roman state.

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Seating arrangements in Roman venues did not reflect the social hierarchy associated with the toga.

Answer: False

Explanation: Seating in Roman venues strictly reflected social hierarchy, with togate citizens occupying preferential seats based on their status, reinforcing the toga's role as a social marker.

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Clients were not required to wear specific attire when attending their patron's morning 'salutatio'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Clients were expected to wear their appropriate togas when attending their patron's morning 'salutatio' to maintain dignity and respect.

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Wearing a finely woven or transparent toga was considered a sign of proper Roman virtue.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wearing a toga that was too finely woven or transparent was criticized and associated with improper luxury or behavior, rather than being a sign of virtue.

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The toga's complex draping was seen as mirroring the discipline required to maintain the Roman Empire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The intricate draping of the toga was interpreted as reflecting the discipline and effort necessary for the maintenance of the Roman Empire itself.

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The toga's association with 'Romanitas' meant it was seen as a symbol of foreign influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga's association with 'Romanitas' signified it as a symbol of Roman identity, civilization, and virtue, not foreign influence.

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What did the specific type of toga worn signify in Roman society?

Answer: The wearer's rank within the civil hierarchy.

Explanation: The type of toga worn served as a visual indicator of the wearer's rank and position within the Roman civil hierarchy.

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The phrase 'gens togata' emphasizes the toga as a symbol of:

Answer: Roman identity and citizenship.

Explanation: The term 'gens togata' highlights the toga's significance as a symbol of Roman identity, civilization, and citizenship.

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How did the toga function as a symbol of Roman civic identity?

Answer: By visually unifying citizens despite rank differences.

Explanation: The toga served to visually unify Roman citizens, reinforcing their shared identity and membership in the civic body, irrespective of their social standing.

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The toga's association with 'Romanitas' implied it represented:

Answer: Roman identity, civilization, and virtue.

Explanation: The concept of 'Romanitas,' closely linked to the toga, encompassed Roman identity, civilization, and the virtues associated with Roman culture.

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Practicality, Evolution, and Decline

The toga was considered highly practical for manual labor and physically active pursuits.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga was considered impractical for manual labor and active pursuits due to its heavy, unwieldy, and complex nature, limiting its use to formal occasions.

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Togas generally decreased in size and complexity from the Republic to the Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Togas generally increased in size and complexity from the Republic through the Empire, becoming more voluminous and less practical.

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The extension of Roman citizenship under Caracalla helped preserve the toga's distinctiveness.

Answer: False

Explanation: The extension of Roman citizenship, particularly under Caracalla, diluted the toga's distinctiveness as a marker of status and contributed to its decline.

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The toga was considered a simple garment, easily managed by anyone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The toga was a complex and unwieldy garment, requiring skill to drape correctly and considered difficult to manage.

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Which of the following best describes the evolution of the toga's practicality?

Answer: It became more voluminous and less practical, suitable mainly for formal occasions.

Explanation: Over time, the toga evolved to become more voluminous and complex, diminishing its practicality and restricting its use primarily to formal and ceremonial contexts.

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Why was the toga considered impractical for work?

Answer: It was heavy, unwieldy, and difficult to keep clean.

Explanation: The toga's impracticality for work stemmed from its heavy, unwieldy nature, its tendency to become soiled easily, and the difficulty associated with its maintenance.

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Which of the following was NOT a reason for the decline in the toga's use?

Answer: A decree mandating its universal use.

Explanation: A decree mandating the universal use of the toga did not occur; rather, its decline was driven by impracticality, the adoption of simpler clothing, and the dilution of its status symbol due to expanded citizenship.

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How did the extension of Roman citizenship, particularly under Caracalla, affect the toga's significance?

Answer: It diluted the toga's distinctiveness as a marker of status.

Explanation: The widespread extension of Roman citizenship diluted the toga's role as a unique identifier of status, contributing to its decline in significance.

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Associated Practices and Terminology

The 'Gabine cinch' was a method of tying the toga that allowed the wearer's hands to be free.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Gabine cinch' (cinctus Gabinus) was a specific method of tying the toga that effectively freed the wearer's hands for tasks or rituals.

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The 'sinus' was a pouch of fabric pulled out over the diagonal section of the toga.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'sinus' was an over-fold of the toga draped across the chest, while the 'umbo' was the pouch of fabric pulled out over this section.

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Wearing the toga 'capite velato' meant covering the head with a fold of the toga during religious rituals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The practice of wearing the toga 'capite velato' involved covering the head with a fold of the toga, a common Roman custom during religious ceremonies.

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The 'umbo' feature of the toga grew larger over time to improve its stability.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the 'umbo' feature did grow larger over time, its effectiveness in securing the toga's drape was limited.

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What was the function of the 'Gabine cinch' (cinctus Gabinus)?

Answer: To allow the wearer's hands to be free.

Explanation: The 'Gabine cinch' was a method of tying the toga that served the practical purpose of freeing the wearer's hands.

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The practice of wearing the toga 'capite velato' involved:

Answer: Covering the head with a fold of the toga during rituals.

Explanation: Wearing the toga 'capite velato' specifically entailed covering the head with a fold of the toga, a practice common during religious ceremonies.

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Which of the following best describes the 'sinus' and 'umbo' features of the toga?

Answer: The 'sinus' was an over-fold, and the 'umbo' was a pouch.

Explanation: The 'sinus' referred to a loose over-fold of the toga draped across the chest, while the 'umbo' was a pouch of fabric pulled out over this section to help secure the garment.

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Literary and Historical Commentary

Virgil and Martial referred to Romans as the 'gens togata' to highlight their military prowess.

Answer: False

Explanation: Virgil and Martial used the term 'gens togata' to emphasize the toga as a defining symbol of Roman identity and citizenship, rather than military prowess.

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The story of Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus illustrates the toga's association with military command.

Answer: True

Explanation: The narrative of Cincinnatus donning his toga to accept dictatorship highlights the garment's symbolic connection to civic duty and the transition to public authority.

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Juvenal and Martial suggested that the toga remained the common everyday wear throughout Italy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Satirists like Juvenal and Martial indicated that the toga was becoming increasingly rare in everyday wear throughout Italy, particularly outside of major urban centers.

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Augustus attempted to increase the use of the toga by banning citizens from the Forum without it.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustus sought to reinforce the toga's prominence by mandating its use in public spaces like the Forum and theaters, banning those without it.

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The phrase 'cedant arma togae' means 'let the toga yield to arms.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'cedant arma togae' translates to 'let arms yield to the toga,' signifying the principle that civilian authority should prevail over military power.

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The statue 'The Orator' depicts a Roman citizen wearing a toga from the Imperial era.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statue 'The Orator,' dating to approximately 100 BC, depicts a toga of the Republican era, not the Imperial era.

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The Praetorian Guard always wore visible armor and military insignia while on duty in the city.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the early Empire, Praetorian Guards sometimes concealed their weapons under white togas to project an image of civilian authority rather than overt military presence.

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A law in 382 AD required senators to wear the toga for official duties, even if they preferred other garments.

Answer: True

Explanation: A law enacted in 382 AD mandated that senators wear the toga for official duties, with penalties for non-compliance.

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The term 'vulgus tunicatus' was used by Tacitus to praise the urban plebs for adopting Roman customs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'vulgus tunicatus' was used disparagingly by Tacitus to refer to the tunic-wearing urban plebs, implying a deviation from traditional Roman customs.

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St. Paul's prohibition against Christian men praying with covered heads may have been influenced by the Roman practice of wearing the toga 'capite velato'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Roman practice of performing rituals 'capite velato' (with covered head) may have influenced St. Paul's injunctions regarding head coverings during prayer in early Christianity.

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The story of Cincinnatus putting on his toga before accepting dictatorship highlights the toga's role as:

Answer: A marker of transition to public authority and civic duty.

Explanation: The act of Cincinnatus donning his toga before accepting dictatorship symbolizes the garment's role in marking a transition to public authority and civic responsibility.

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What did satirists like Juvenal and Martial suggest about the toga's prevalence in Italy?

Answer: It was becoming increasingly rare outside of Rome.

Explanation: Satirists like Juvenal and Martial observed that the toga was becoming increasingly uncommon in everyday wear throughout Italy, particularly in rural areas.

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What does the phrase 'cedant arma togae' signify?

Answer: That military power should yield to civilian authority.

Explanation: The phrase 'cedant arma togae' conveys the principle that military power should be subordinate to civilian authority.

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How did the Praetorian Guard sometimes use togas?

Answer: To conceal weapons while on duty in the city.

Explanation: Praetorian Guards occasionally used white togas to conceal their weapons while on duty within the city, projecting an image of civilian presence.

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The statue 'The Orator' provides evidence of toga wear during which period?

Answer: The Republican era.

Explanation: The statue 'The Orator,' dating to approximately 100 BC, offers visual evidence of toga wear during the Roman Republican era.

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What does the term 'vulgus tunicatus' refer to?

Answer: The tunic-wearing crowd, used disparagingly.

Explanation: The term 'vulgus tunicatus' denotes the 'tunic-wearing crowd' and was used disparagingly to criticize those who had abandoned the traditional Roman toga.

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What did Augustus do to try and restore the toga's prominence?

Answer: He mandated its use in theaters and banned non-togate individuals from the Forum.

Explanation: Augustus attempted to restore the toga's prominence by mandating its use in public spaces like theaters and banning individuals without togas from the Forum.

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