A Ban on Good Hair

March 23, 2021 Saxo Greek and Roman, Human Affairs

THE SCENE: Men being insecure about their hair is by no means a recent phenomenon, as is demonstrated by this passage about a 9th century Byzantine Emperor.

THE TEXT: [Theophilos’] hair was very thin by nature; in fact he was bald on the forehead. So he published an edict that everywhere men should cut their hair close to the skin and that no Roman should be permitted to wear his hair below the neck. He who disobeyed this decree was to be given a sound whipping. Thus the emperor prided himself on restoring the virtue of the ancient Romans.

– John Skylitzes, Synopsis of Histories, 11th Century AD

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