Eileithyia Cave

Eileithyia Cave
Cave of Eileithyia
Shown within Greece
Alternative name Cave of Eileithyia
Location Crete
Region Greece
Coordinates 35°19′29.2″N 25°12′21″E / 35.324778°N 25.20583°E / 35.324778; 25.20583Coordinates: 35°19′29.2″N 25°12′21″E / 35.324778°N 25.20583°E / 35.324778; 25.20583
History
Periods Neolithic, Bronze Age

Eileithyia Cave (also the Cave of Eileithyia) was a Neolithic,[1] Minoan and Mycenaean sacred cave dedicated to the goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia, on the island of Crete.

Geography

The cave is located one kilometer south of the town of Amnisos.

Mythology

The cave is mentioned in Odysseus's Cretan narrative to Penelope in the Odyssey.

Archaeology

The Eileithyia Cave was occupied by prehistoric human settlers from the Neolithic period until around 400 BCE. The archaeological finds made in the cave are on display at the Iraklion Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion.

References

  1. Greek religion By Walter Burkert Page 25 ISBN 0-674-36281-0


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