The largest collection of ancient weapons known today, mainly late Geometric and Archaic, has come from Olympia. Weapons were by far the most suitable gift to Zeus, who presided over the fortunes of the competitors in the Olympic Games at Olympia, just as he presided over the outcome of battle elsewhere.

The offerings of cities from booty taken in victorious campaigns, or of individuals from their personal panoplies are not only tangible and incontestable evidence of actual historic events, thanks to the inscriptions so often engraved upon them, they enlarge our knowledge of the art of war as practised by the ancient Greeks. In addition, their decoration makes a rich contribution to the depiction of myths , and many possess particular artistic merit.

A breastplate is a device worn over the torso to protect it from injury, as an item of status. A breastplate is sometimes worn by mythological beings as a distinctive item of clothing. It has been a military mainstay since ancient times and were usually made of leather, bronze or iron in antiquity.

This marvelous breastplate, undoubtedly belonged to a distinguished man. Possibly the work of an island bronzesmith, it dates from about 650-625 BC. On its lower section Zeus is depicted at the centre, together with Apollo holding his lyre. Behind Zeus are two gods and behind Apollo two goddesses, possibly the Muses or the Hyperborean Maidens who came from beyond the northern regions, to Delos. The design of the plant and animal motifs which complete the decoration attest the practised hand of a craftsman with a long tradition behind him.

The original is kept at the museum of ancient Olympia.