What were the beauty standards in ancient Rome?
The male beauty ideal in Ancient Rome was dictated by Roman ideas about proper lifestyle. A young man was foremost a warrior, lean and enduring, with a strong, muscular, and tall build. A middle-aged man was a respectable owner and politician, majestically wearing a formal toga with smooth movements and a serious face. It is commonly believed that Romans shaved all facial hair. This is not entirely true; in early Rome, there were no particular standards for male beauty, and during the Empire, a well-kept short beard or sideburns sometimes came into fashion. During the Republic, wearing long hair and a beard was not shameful; a short haircut for men became the de facto standard only with the first Roman emperors.
Female fashion, of course, was much more variable. But in all times, Roman beauties were considered to be women of average height, not too thin, with wide hips and a pronounced waist. A toned figure was also valued, and Roman women engaged in physical exercises no less than men. A beauty should have an oval face, a straight nose, and almond-shaped eyes. But most importantly, they valued light skin and hair. Body hair was not acceptable, so Roman women used pumice stones and razors for depilation, which they did after bathing.
