What is a Phrygian cap?
Q: What is a Phrygian cap?
A: A Phrygian cap is a soft cone-shaped hat with the apex bent over, which was thought to be associated with many different peoples in Eastern Europe and Anatolia, including Phrygia, Dacia, and the Balkans.
Q: What did the Phrygian cap come to mean during the French Revolution?
A: During the French Revolution, the Phrygian cap came to symbolize freedom and the pursuit of liberty.
Q: What was originally used as a symbol of freedom in Roman iconography?
A: The original symbol of freedom in Roman iconography was the pileus, or felt cap of freed slaves. This was also associated with Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty.
Q: In what form was the "cap of liberty" most often used in 16th century Netherlands?
A: In 16th century Netherlands, the "cap of liberty" was most often used in the form of a hat that was popular at that time.
Q: How did it become identified as a symbol for republican government?
A: It became identified as a symbol for republican government because it began to be used in place where crowns would usually be placed on coats of arms under monarchies.
Q: Who is commonly depicted wearing a Phrygian cap?
A: National personifications such as France's Marianne are usually depicted wearing a Phrygian cap.
