“You will understand the joke after taking this class.”

Although it was many decades ago, I remember my high school Latin teacher’s humorous attempt to justify why we should study this ancient language.

“Semper ubi sub ubi” was the pun to which she was referring. It literally translates as “always where under where” and sounds in English like “always wear underwear.”

I guess it was funny enough for me to remember it. But interestingly, the ancient Romans did not abide by this dictum. Some Romans did wear a loincloth known as a “subligaculum” under the knee-length tunic that was the standard Roman attire. But there was no, let us say, “universal coverage.” The subligaculum, as seen in Roman artworks, was more commonly worn by gladiators.

The loincloth, a single-piece garment wrapped around the waist to cover the private parts, is the predecessor for undergarments. Otzi, the famous “Tyrolean Iceman” who lived more than 5,000 years ago, was found wearing a loincloth made of sheepskin and the ancient Egyptians wore loincloths made of linen, the fibres of the flax plant.

Apparently, these garments were also needed in the afterworld, since 145 of them were found in King Tut’s tomb.

Clothing that we would recognize as underwear first appeared in Medieval Europe in the form of baggy linen or cotton trousers worn by men.

Women’s underwear, known as “drawers” since they had to be drawn up the legs, only became common in the 18th century. They had an open crotch so that ladies attired in petticoats and flowing skirts could use a chamber pot without undressing.

Queen Victoria had many such garments, some of which are displayed in museums with Her........

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