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Mark Golden, Sport and Society in Ancient Greece, ch. 2:
What of a related question, the meaning of athletic nudity? Those who accept the testimony of Thucydides and Plato tend to find the impetus for the adoption (or re-introduction) of athletic nudity in the late sixth or early fifth century in Greek conflict with the Persians, who (like other barbarians) were shocked by public nakedness (Crowther 1982). The superiority of their customs in this regard was a matter of course among Greek opinion makers. Wherein exactly did that superiority lie? 'Nakedness...' (according to John Arieti) 'enabled the athletes to show the complete control they exerted over their bodies' in close quarters with other fit and attractive young men; barbaroi, in contrast, had to cover themselves to avoid arousing others and betraying their lack of self-control — 'is that a javelin you're carrying or are you just glad to see me?'.
is that a javelin you're carrying or are you just glad to see me?
I'LL JUST BE OVER HERE
What of a related question, the meaning of athletic nudity? Those who accept the testimony of Thucydides and Plato tend to find the impetus for the adoption (or re-introduction) of athletic nudity in the late sixth or early fifth century in Greek conflict with the Persians, who (like other barbarians) were shocked by public nakedness (Crowther 1982). The superiority of their customs in this regard was a matter of course among Greek opinion makers. Wherein exactly did that superiority lie? 'Nakedness...' (according to John Arieti) 'enabled the athletes to show the complete control they exerted over their bodies' in close quarters with other fit and attractive young men; barbaroi, in contrast, had to cover themselves to avoid arousing others and betraying their lack of self-control — 'is that a javelin you're carrying or are you just glad to see me?'.
is that a javelin you're carrying or are you just glad to see me?
I'LL JUST BE OVER HERE