Idaean Cave

A sacred cave on Mount Ida in central Crete, one of those claimed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Votive offerings were made here by the Minoans, as it was an important cult center. There was a large rock shaped into a stepped altar. A magnificent series of decorated shields of the 8th and 7th centuries BC, showing artistic influence from Syria and Assyria, was also on the site.

Situated on Mount Ida in central Crete at an altitude of 1500 metres, this cave is one of those claimed as the birthplace of Zeus. It was an important cult centre from the late Minoan period. Inside was a large rock shaped into a stepped altar, while the floor was covered with ash, charcoal, bones and rich votive offerings, including seal stones. The cave remained important at a later period and the most splendid finds are a series of decorated shields from the 8th to 7th centuries BC.