NUDUS
NUDUS (
γυμνός). These words,
besides denoting absolute nakedness, which was to be
ἀναμπέχονος καὶ ἀχίτων (compare Moschus, 4.98), were
applied to anyone who, being without an
AMICTUS wore only his tunic. (
Aristoph. Eccl. 409;
Lysist. 150; John 21.7.) In this state of semi-nudity, the
ancients performed the operations of ploughing, sowing, and reaping. (Hes.
Op. et Dies, 391;
Aristoph.
Lys. 1177;
Verg. G. 1.299;
Aelian,
Ael. VH 6.11,
13.27; Matt. 24.18.) Thus Cincinnatus was found
nudus at the plough when he was called to be
dictator, and sent for his
toga, that he might
appear before the senate. (
Plin. Nat.
18.20; Aur. Vict.
de Vir. Illust. 17;
Liv. 3.26.) The accompanying woodcut is taken
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Man ploughing in his tunic. (From an ancient gem.)
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from an antique gem in the Florentine Collection, and shows a man
ploughing in his tunic only.
This term applied to the warrior expressed the absence of some part of his
armour. Hence the light armed were called
γυμνῆτες.
[
J.Y]
