1. Raising Sheep: Sheep were raised for their wool. Shepherds carefully managed flocks, ensuring their health and proper diet to produce high-quality wool.
2. Shearing: When sheep developed a thick fleece, they underwent the process of shearing. Skilled individuals used sharp shears to cut the wool close to the sheep's skin without causing harm.
3. Sorting: The shorn wool was then sorted based on its quality, color, and texture. Different types of wool were used for different purposes.
4. Washing and Cleaning: The wool was thoroughly washed and cleaned to remove dirt, grease, and impurities. This process often involved using water from rivers, streams, or specialized washing facilities.
5. Carding: The washed wool was carded using tools known as "cards." Carding aligned and straightened the wool fibers, removing tangles and knots to prepare them for spinning.
6. Spinning: The carded wool was spun into yarn. This was done using a variety of tools, such as a spindle or spinning wheel. Skilled spinners transformed the wool fibers into continuous threads.
7. Dyeing (Optional): If desired, the spun yarn could be dyed to achieve different colors. Ancient Greeks used natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, or shellfish.
8. Weaving: The dyed or undyed yarn was used in weaving. Weaving involved interlacing the warp (longitudinal) threads with the weft (transverse) threads on a loom to create fabric.
9. Fulling: After weaving, the fabric was fulled. Fulling involved moistening, beating, and pressing the fabric to thicken, strengthen, and soften it.
10. Finishing: The finished wool fabric underwent various finishing processes, including trimming, brushing, and pressing to achieve the desired texture and appearance.
11. Tailoring: Tailors then used the wool fabric to create different types of garments, from simple tunics to elaborate robes and cloaks.
Throughout this process, Ancient Greeks demonstrated skill and craftsmanship in transforming raw wool into warm, durable, and versatile textiles that formed an essential part of their daily lives and cultural practices.