in Antiquity, was used to designate the treasure chamber or place in a temple where the votive offerings were kept, and also the offering itself; and, by metonymy, was sometimes used to denote a temple, sanctuary, or altar. The custom of making presents to the gods was common to the Greeks and Romans; and these gifts were not only very various in kind, but frequently of the most costly description, such as gold and silver ornaments, statues, pictures, and, in short, everything that could enhance the magnificence of the terrestrial habitations of the gods.