Today, archaeological sites are primarily made up of partly restored monumental buildings. In reality, sanctuaries were full of votives in ancient times, large and small, old and new. The author considers the relationship between the sanctuary and society, particularly the relationship between the sanctuary and worshippers through the authorities' management of votive objects. The tension between the disposing, recycling and reuse of votive offerings and the desecration of objects dedicated to the gods is explored by examining sacred regulations governing the handling of votive offerings. Sanctuaries were subject to the necessary controls by various authorities, and these regulations in themselves show how alive sanctuaries were. The paper was read at the international conference, Sino-Hellenic Academic Project 2nd International Conference on Global Issues of Environment & Culture, Delphi, Greece on 18 Sep, 2021.
