petasos

The petasos is a broad-brimmed hat from ancient Greece, usually made of felt or straw, worn to shield the face from sun and rain. It was associated with travelers, farmers, and outdoor workers, and appears frequently in Greek art and literature.

The brim is wide and flat, often with a simple crown. In some depictions the brim could be turned up at the sides. Hermes (Mercury) is commonly shown wearing a winged version of the petasos, a motif that emphasizes speed and mobility rather than everyday dress.

In archaeology, petasos is the standard term for this hat when identified in graves, statues, coins, and reliefs. It is distinguished from the pilos, a soft cap, and from other head coverings by its broad brim and travel function.

The term is Greek in origin, with the Latin form petasus used in Roman contexts; it remains common in discussions of classical dress and iconography.