Greeks often exercised and played sports naked, but such was taboo amongst the Romans. When the Emperor Nero brought (naked) Greek-style games to the colosseum, there was massive public outcry. Not because the Romans didn't love Greeks, games, or nudity, but because public nudity was against Roman social norms. Being naked in public wasn't seen as, like, "Oh no, the sight of butt is going to corrupt me!" but rather as "Gross, that person is degrading themselves by acting like an animal"

[–] NoSpiritAnimal@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

Want to also mention that in Ancient Greece only the glans of the penis was thought of as obscene. Allowing your glans to be exposed was seen as barabaric and of low class. Greek men often wore a kynodesme to prevent flopping and accidental foreskin retraction when sporting.

[–] Dagwood222@lemm.ee 1 points 7 months ago

You might want to look up an old novel; "The Source" by James Michener. It's fifteen short novels all set near the same well in Palestine/Israel. He starts with a cave dweller deciding to build a house and become a farmer and goes on through the different eras. One chapter is about the interaction of the local Jews and their Greek overlords.

[–] Dagwood222@lemm.ee 3 points 7 months ago

For some reason, that never came up when we read about Rome back in 4th Grade. Thanks for the information.