.. meaning reducing the dimensions of the torso are found on Minoan pottery dating to 2500 B.C. Historians believe the Minoan men and women wore stiff leather belts and even straps of wood around their waists to enhance their appearance of “rigorous athleticism”, or athletic prowess. That silhouette was desired as an ideal representing their ability to defend themselves.
(Photo: Fresco in museum, Minoan “Prince of the Lillies” taken from the ancient Knossos Palace shows the Prince wearing something rigid around his waist and hip, giving the illusion (and possibly actual reduction) of a small waist)