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calceus

calceus

1 9.9
A closed shoe that covers the foot and ankle, worn by ancient Romans
  • noun
  • /ˈkæl.si.əs/
  • Archaic
: calceo
  • Unlike sandals, the calceus was closed and covered the Roman foot up to the ankle.

Examples

  • The senator put on his calceus before entering the forum.

  • Archaeologists discovered a remarkably preserved calceus in the ruins of Pompeii.

  • The ancient Roman calceus was designed for comfort.

  • Many soldiers wore a calceus during battles.

  • Archaeologists discovered a remarkably preserved calceus in the ruins of Pompeii.

  • The senator put on his calceus before entering the forum.

  • Unlike sandals, the calceus was closed and covered the Roman foot up to the ankle.

Surface Forms

calceus singular
calcei plural

Etymology

Calceus was the Latin name for a Roman shoe and comes from the Latin word calx meaning 'heel'. So a calceus is easy to remember as a shoe that covers and protects the heel and ankle.