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

Eileithyia Cave was occupied by prehistoric human settlers from the Neolithic period until around 400 BCE.

Pottery ranging from the Neolithic to Roman periods has been discovered in the cave, with the most significant number of finds coming from the Minoan era.

[1] Four anthropomorphic vases from the Orientalizing period, which could be of Greek origin were found in the sanctuary.

[2] They are similar to Egyptian vases that show Isis nursing her infant son Horus.