This is a question about the muscle shaped chest armour a lot of the greeks wear.

Up until I saw EB I had more or less assumed that this was just one of those 'hollywood' things that were attributed to ancient warriors to make them seem more muscular, tougher and more noble etcetc.

However, given EB's slavish devotion to absolute realism and their presence on many greek units I assume them to be historically accurate

My question therefore is what was the point? I'm unaware whether at that time they were able to 'cast' metal in moulds, or whether everything had to be hammered into shape in a blacksmiths, but either way it seems like a lot of work for no real added protection. My only hypothesis is that it was a psycological thing designed to intimidate the enemy, but it seems like a lot of extra work for very little benefit.

Enlighten me please