NOTES ON THE ‘ELAMITE’ GARMENT OF CYRUS THE GREAT

According to the latest collation of the Nabonidus Chronicle, a reference is made to Cyrus the Great wearing an ‘Elamite’ garment during the investiture ceremony of Cambyses. This study examines the likely characteristics of this garment in the light of a recent study of seventh- and sixth-century BC Elamite elite garments. Within this context it is suggested that the Chronicle may have done no more than state the obvious. In 538 BC, Cyrus went to Babylon clad in (traditional) Elamite (style) attire. This ceremonial garment is to be identified with a fine (perhaps cotton-made) fringed robe decorated with bands, including golden bracteates.