Hecataeus is a large lunar impact crater that lies near the eastern limb of the Moon.

East of Hecataeus is a chain of small craters forming a line radial to Humboldt; these are designated the Catena Humboldt, named after the walled plain.

Its northern part overlies half of Hecataeus K, a fairly substantial crater.

Several small, bowl-shaped craters lay across the eastern rim and inner wall.

[1] By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Hecataeus.