Archaeological Development

The types of dedications made at Olympia varied over time. In the early days of the sanctuary (c.8th century) dedications consisted mainly of small animal figurines and small caldrons (see picture). Later we find dedications consisting of small statuettes of Zeus, with various aspects, such as as a warrior god, or with his thunderbolt.[1] We also find larger and more elaborate dedications, such as the Nike of Paionios, as well as particular types of dedications associated with certain events, for example helmets were often dedicated by survivors of war.