'Scuse me for asking, but I’ve been considering aquiring some of those ancient monk robes you see being worn in the Gothic era. Not that I’m a devout Christian, I just like the look. Anyway, my question is: How could these monks walk around in heavy robes during the summer months? With the invention of air condition not due for a couple centuries, it seems like you’d see monks keeling over left and right from heat stroke.
It depends on what it’s made from - I’ve worn thinner wools in summer heat and sun during battle re-enactments, and have been much cooler than the tourists watching us in poly-cotton t-shirts and jeans. Monestaries in the northern climes would more likely have wools available, whereas those further south more likely to have access to cottons and linens.
It is very possible they did keel over from heat, too, but IMHO, some may have taken the heat as a reminder of the suffering of Christ and the martyrs of the Church, particularly St. Lawrence.