Both the statements about the votive inscriptions in the second century BC is correct. Votive inscriptions denote an object as a votive offering to a deity (or deities) by one or more person. These are among the oldest inscriptions. They may express gratitude for victory in a battle or for a merchant ship that has returned home safely. Votive inscriptions were often made because of a vow taken in a moment of danger. The inscription medium was either a stone pedestal (such as for statues) or the dedicated object itself (for instance, helmets or chest armour from the war booty).