The Upright Tiara of the Persian King
This paper examines a piece of headgear, usually referred to in modern literature asa Phrygian or Persian cap, but variously described as tiara, kurbasia or kidaris/kitaris in the ancient sources. According to Greek texts only the Persian king had theright to wear the headgear in an upright position, usually referred to as tiara orthé.The cap was part of the so-called Median riding dress, and was This paper examines a piece ofheadgear, usually referred to in modern literature as a Phrygian or Persian cap, but variously described astiara, kurbasiaor kidaris/kitarisin the ancient sources. According to Greek texts only the Persian king had the right to wear the headgearin an upright position, usually referred to as tiara orthé. The cap was part of the so-called Median riding dress, and was wo