Focale or sudarium (“diaphanous scarf”) was a woollen shawl of a Roman legionary that easily absorbed sweat. It was probably a form of a scarf, tied around the neck, which, if necessary, acted as a scarf for wiping sweat. During the battle, the legionary hid the tip of the scarf under the armour.
The scarf also protected the soldier’s neck from abrasion caused by the soldier’s constant contact with the armour (lorica hamata or lorica segmentata and helmet).
