CftAP.XV. DEDICATORY OFFERINGS. 371 



already mentioned * ; and the various kinds of sweet- 

 scented ointments t used by the Egyptians were 

 liberally offered at the shrines of the Gods. Ac- 

 cording to Clemens, one of the most noted was the 

 psagdai, for which Egypt was particularly famed ; 

 and Pliny and Athenseus both bear testimony to 

 the variety of Egyptian ointments, as well as the 

 importance attached to them ; which is confirmed 

 by the sculptures, and even by the vases discovered 

 in the tombs. X 



Rich vestments, necklaces, bracelets, jewellery 

 of various kinds, and other ornaments, vases of 

 gold, silver, and porcelain, bags of gold, and nu- 

 merous gifts of the most costly description, were 

 also presented to the gods. They constituted the 

 riches of the treasury of the temples; and the spoils 

 taken from conquered nations were deposited there 

 by a victorious monarch as a votive gift for the 

 success of his arms, or as a token of gratitude 

 for favours he was supposed to have received. 

 Tables of the precious metals and rare woods 

 were among these offerings ; and an accurate 

 catalogue of his votive presents was engraved on 

 the walls of the temple, to commemorate the piety 

 of the donor and the wealth of the sanctuary. 

 They do not, however, properly come under the 

 denomination of offerings to the Gods, but are 

 rather dedications to their temples ; and it was in 



* P. 338. 362. and 364. 



t Vide Vol. II. p. 214.; Plin. xiii. 1. 3.; Clem. Paecl. ii. 8. 

 X Vide Vol.11, p. 214.; Vol. III. p. 378. ; and supYa, Vol.1. (2d 

 Series) p. 58. note J. 



B B 2 



