refrained from inscribing the name of the enemy for fear of the Lacedaemonians (Spartans)." The placement of this dedicatory statue at Olympia, considered Spartan ground, is most often interpreted by scholars as a deliberate and assertive act of dominance. This sculpture may be understood as political propaganda within the context of the Messenian Wars. At least a century earlier, the Spartans had erected a statue of Zeus in the sanctuary, commemorating a victory over the Messenians. This dedication is also mentioned by Pausanias. The positioning of the Nike may be seen as a visual response: the Nike erected by the Messenians and Naupaktians would appear to the visitor in front of the hand of the Zeus dedication behind it. Paeonios combined both Ionian and Doric traditions in this monument. The erection of an offering on a high pillar is of Ionian origin, as the Dorians tended to use lower bases. By placing a well-known, generic image of triumph upon a pillar to symbolize a specific Victory, Paionios added to this tradition. The Ionians also favored marble more often, yet the Nike wears a Dorian peplos. Paeonios slips his own victory into the inscription on his Nike monument. It reads that he was the “successful competitor in the construction of the akroteria for the temple.” His victory in the competition was likely the result of devising not only the most aesthetically pleasing option but also the most financially feasible. That this piece of artwork is inscribed with the fund, occasion, and the artist makes it invaluable for creating a history of Greek artistic and dedicatory work. References External links Nike of Paionios: drawing and description 5th-century BC Greek sculptors Ancient Greek sculptors Ancient Olympia Artists of ancient Chalcidice Ancient Mendians