Diktaion Andron, the Birthplace of the Father of All Gods, Zeus
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This article presents the Cretan myths that surround Diktaion Cave, the birthplace of the father of all Gods, Zeus.
Diktaion Andron and Ideon Andron have a heavy heritage of mythology. These are the two caves that Zeus was born and raised according to mythology. They are both in Crete and constitute two of the most important sacred caves of Greek antiquity. In this article we focus on the Diktaion Cave, so let us take it from the top, shall we?
General Information on Diktaion Andron
Cave Location
On the north side of Mount Dikti, in the prefecture of Lassithi in Crete, is the Diktaion Andron or Dikti Cave, located above the village of Psichro at an altitude of 1,020 meters.
Cave Interior
Internationally, Diktaion Andron is one of the most important sites and caves, with great mythological and archaeological importance. It has attracted the interest of many Greek and foreign archaeologists, who have occasionally excavated its interior. The cave has an area of 2,200 square meters. It consists of five chambers larger and smaller. The largest area of the cave has an entrance 18 meters wide and 14 meters high. In its impressive interior, there is a rich decoration of stalactites and stalagmites. The lake in the cave is also amazing, with huge stalactites and stalagmites surrounding it. “The mantle of Zeus” is a stalactite, which hangs like a chandelier over the lake. Its shape, in the imagination of the locals, is reminiscent of a mantle. At the back of the lake, you can easily see a small area where they say that the Father of the Gods was born.
Passing the entrance of Diktaion Cave, you are in the cave main lobby and you immediately feel the temperature difference. The sun’s rays cannot reach the inside of Diktaion Andron and the humidity, as in all caves, can reach 85%, while absolute silence prevails. These conditions are ideal for Diktaion to be an important habitat with a rich fauna. Wild pigeons and other bird species nest inside, while arthropod species and the Mediterranean Eared Bat live inside too.
History of Diktaion Andron
The Diktaion Cave through the archaeological findings so far indicates a continuous human presence since the end of the Neolithic period, ie the last 6000 years. It was probably inhabited and used for burials, but it certainly functioned as a center of worship from the Minoan to the Archaic Age. Worship in Diktaion Andron continued sporadically until the Roman years with periods of prosperity and relative decline.
Excavations and Finds
In the entrance of Diktaion Andron, the excavations brought to light the foundations of an altar and objects from offerings. The offerings were placed on the altar, such as oil, honey, wine, grains, sacrificial animals, and then they were set on fire. The waste from the incineration was still considered offerings, so it was not allowed to be thrown away like the common waste. They were respectfully collected at the side of the altar.
The importance of Diktaion Andron as a great cult Cave-Shrine of antiquity was discovered by chance, as is often the case, in 1883. In 1886 the Italian archaeologist Federico Halbherr made the first small-scale excavations. The first systematic excavation, however, began in 1899 under the leadership of the English archaeologist, director of the English Archaeological School of Athens, David Hogarth. The excavation brought to light findings that Diktaion Andron hid for centuries and was older than those found in the Ideon Cave.
According to the archaeologist Arthur Evans, the cave is also associated with a female deity who was the personification of fertility and vegetation (the mother earth that took over and hid young Zeus in the cave’s depths). In the cave, apart from the Fertility Goddess and the Gods, the majestic stalactites were also worshiped.
The Myths around the Cretan Born Zeus
The Birth of Zeus
In Greek mythology, Rhea took refuge in this cave to give birth to Zeus, the future father of the Gods, for fear that Cronus would devour this son. She left him there, so the ancient Kourites could raise him, secretly from his father. The Kourites made noises to cover the baby’s crying to protect the secret. Zeus also grew up there under their protection and with the care of the goat Amalthea and the nymph Melissa. For this reason, the Diktaion Cave is also called the “Bethlehem of the ancient world”.
Zeus and the Honey Theft
According to a legend, Zeus was kept in the cave by bees and did not allow anyone to enter. Once, four mortals, Laios, Koukoulos, Kerveros, and Aiglios tried to enter the cave to steal the honey. In order not to be stung by the bees they covered their bodies with copper clothes. However, Zeus got angry and struck them with lightning bolts that tore the bronze clothes. For them not to die, the three Moires (Fates) and Goddess Themis transformed them into birds.
Minos and the Heavenly Laws
Based on one version of the ancient Myth, Minos the king of Crete, met with his father Zeus at Diktaion Andron every nine years, when the sun’s orbits meet the moon’s, to receive the renewed laws. It is, therefore, no coincidence that Minos symbolizes absolute justice. Which is why after his death he became a judge in the underworld.
Diktaion Andron as an Archaeological Site Today
Diktaion Andron is one of the few caves in Crete that is open to the public. About five hundred meters from the entrance there is a large parking lot for vehicles. There are taverns and small souvenir shops in the surrounding area. It offers one of the most beautiful views of the Lassithi Plateau. Enjoy it before starting climbing the stone path that leads to the cave’s entrance. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 20 minutes. Inside the cave, there are ramps and lighting, for safe and comfortable access to its bottom, where the “Lake of Zeus” is to be found. The cave of Diktaion Andron is indeed one of the most beautiful and visited archeological sites in Crete. It receives an average of 100,000 visitors per year.
Elissos Travelling Philosophy Zeus Experiences
Lassithi Plateau and Diktaion Andron
A unique experience that offers you and your loved ones the opportunity to visit the east side of Crete participating in a wide range of nature and traditional activities. On the mountains of Dikti and at an altitude of 850 meters, you will reach the fertile Lassithi plateau. Do not forget to charge your camera as you will have the urge to capture the exquisite scenery and the authentic Cretan villages. A little higher up, at an altitude of 900 meters, visit the Cave of Zeus. According to Homer, the impressive temple was the birthplace of the Father of all Gods and Immortals, Zeus. After you have authentic Cretan mountain cuisine for lunch, take part in one of the two fun and interactive activities we have in store. Choose between a pottery workshop for the more artistic ones and a Greek circular dance course for the more active ones!
Mysteries of the Cretan Born Zeus
A sacred experience that introduces you and your family to traditional villages with breathtaking views in Central Crete where you will enjoy local food and music. Arolithos village has numerous old houses, a Folk-Art Museum, and a central square where you can enjoy your Greek coffee. Participate in traditional workshops, such as weaving, mosaics making, kneading, and cooking. However, perhaps the most exciting part of your activity will be your hike to a sacred cave where according to the myth, is connected to the worshipping of Zeus. You reach the beautiful plateau of Nida after a hike for 20 minutes, until you come across the second biggest Cave in Crete, Ida Cave. After this impressive tour, lunch in a “mitato”, a stone-built shepherd’s hut on the top of the mountains. There, you can enjoy the astonishing views as well as Cretan specialties such as antikristo lamb!