In terms of the Greeks fighting with their genitals exposed, I think the descriptions of the Philistines in the Bible is interesting.
Many scholars think the Philistines were Greeks who migrated to the Eastern Mediterranean during the great Bronze Age collapse.
There are some parallels between Goliath and his armor and his mode of battle challenge to single combat and the Iliad.
In terms of nudity, what I find interesting is that when the Philistines are talked about in the Bible stories, the most common description is “uncircumcised”.
That is normally not the first thing that comes to mind to describe a man, unless he is naked.
Thus, the depictions of naked Greek warriors may actually reflect some actual truth beyond just an idealized representation.
So, unlike the Michelangelo statue, when David and Goliath fought, it may have been Goliath who had his genitals exposed.
In terms of the Greeks fighting with their genitals exposed, I think the descriptions of the Philistines in the Bible is interesting.
Many scholars think the Philistines were Greeks who migrated to the Eastern Mediterranean during the great Bronze Age collapse.
There are some parallels between Goliath and his armor and his mode of battle challenge to single combat and the Iliad.
In terms of nudity, what I find interesting is that when the Philistines are talked about in the Bible stories, the most common description is “uncircumcised”.
That is normally not the first thing that comes to mind to describe a man, unless he is naked.
Thus, the depictions of naked Greek warriors may actually reflect some actual truth beyond just an idealized representation.
So, unlike the Michelangelo statue, when David and Goliath fought, it may have been Goliath who had his genitals exposed.