What materials were used to make the ancient Olympic discus?

The ancient Olympic discus was traditionally made from a variety of materials such as stone, iron, lead, or bronze. Each of these materials offered different benefits in terms of weight and durability, catering to the athletes' performance needs and the standards of their time. Stone was commonly used because it was readily available and could be shaped into a discus form, while metals like iron, lead, and bronze provided greater durability and allowed for more precise weight adjustments. This flexibility in materials reflects the evolving technology and methods of ancient civilizations as they sought to enhance competitive sports.

In contrast, the other options are limited in their historical accuracy or scope. Clay and stone are too restrictive, as clay was not a commonly used material for the discus, and while stone was indeed one of the materials, it does not account for the variety. Wood and steel could refer to modern variations but were not used in the ancient games in the same sense. Lastly, stating that discus was made only of bronze overlooks the historical breadth of materials that were actually utilized across different periods and regions.