Abstract :
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.
