SOCCUS
SOCCUS dim. SO´CCULUS, denoted a slipper or low shoe, which did not fit closely, and was not fastened by any tie (Isid. Orig. 19.33). Shoes of this description (e. g. the πέρσικαι and σιάβαθρον: see CALCEUS) were worn, more especially among the Greeks, together with the PALLIUM both by men and by women. We find “socci viriles et muliebres” distinguished in Ed. Diocl. 9, 25: the latter seem to be usually more ornamented (Plin. Nat. 37.17; of. Suet. Cal. 52). In the time of the Republic it was considered unbefitting a Roman to wear them (Cic. pro Rab. Post. 10, 27), and classed with wearing the pallium instead of the toga. |
| A comic actor wearing Socci. |
As was stated under the article BAXA, the soccus was worn by comic actors (Hor. Ars Poët. 80, 90), and was in this respect opposed to the COTHURNUS (Ov. Rem. Am. 376; Mart. 8.3, 13; Plin. Nat. 7.111). The actor of the MIMUS wore neither buskin nor slipper, and [p. 2.680]was therefore called planipes (Teuffel, § 7; Mayor, ad Juv. 8.191). The preceding woodcut is taken from an ancient painting of a comic actor, who is dancing in loose yellow slippers (luteum soccum, Catull. Epithal. Jul. 10). Cf. Marquardt, Privatleben, 595; Becker-Göll, Gallus, 3.229. [SOLEA]