Abstract
Arms and armour were some of the most common votive offerings in ancient Greek sanctuaries between the late eighth and fifth centuries BCE. The article begins by discussing the finds from the great pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Olympia and then presents other aspects of the phenomenon, such as the exhibition of sacred weapons in the form of tropaia or the installation in temples and treasuries, as well as dedicatory inscriptions on the objects themselves. The development of the polis society and the hoplite phalanx was likely an essential element in the establishment of this consecrative custom. Since about 500 BCE, other votive offerings from the spoils of war began appearing alongside weapons. There is discussion of a possible connection between Italic scrap-metal hoards from the early Iron Age and fragmented imported items in Greek sanctuaries.