Thinking about it more. I think tall men are not necessarily more successful at warfare or sea faring where people of short stature might have more advantage due to needing less food.
For example, Mongol archers could definitely kill enemies no matter how tall they were. So there was no advantage of being tall once better weapons were available.
Selection for tallness could have happened because of peace time.
>Selection for tallness could have happened because of peace time.
This is an important observation and should be explored more deeply. When there is more equality for gender/class, and more economic security, people, viz. women, are freed to choose mates on other factors, such as attraction
For example, Mongol archers could definitely kill enemies no matter how tall they were. So there was no advantage of being tall once better weapons were available.
Selection for tallness could have happened because of peace time.