The petasos is a broad-brimmed hat that originated in Thessaly and was widely worn throughout the ancient Greek, Thracian, Illyrian, and Etruscan worlds. Typically crafted from materials like wool felt, leather, straw, or animal skin, it was a practical accessory for those who spent significant time outdoors.
It was primarily associated with farmers, hunters, and travelers, often worn alongside a chlamys cape. In mythology, the petasos became a defining attribute of Hermes, frequently depicted as a winged hat that symbolized his role as the swift messenger of the gods.