Ancient Greek Bronze Strigiles
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
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Ancient Greek Bronze Strigiles

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These bronze strigiles (490–350 BC) were used in ancient Greek gymnasiums to remove oil, sweat, and dust after exercise. They highlight Greek ideals of physical beauty, hygiene, and virtue, with the nude male body symbolizing health and excellence. Strigiles reflect the cultural emphasis on athleticism and the pursuit of arete , or excellence, central to Greek society and values.