Sacred caves of Crete

Sacred caves and peak sanctuaries are characteristic holy places of ancient Minoan Crete.

Most scholars agree that sacred caves were used by the Minoans for religious rites, and some for burial.

While all peak sanctuaries have clay human figurines, only Idaeon, Trapeza and Psychro have them among the sacred caves.

One author, Tyree (1974), restricts "sacred caves" to those with architectural additions such as "paved areas, partition walls, and low walls surrounding stalagmites", as well as the presence (upon excavation) of "cult implements" of various kinds.

It is thought that the primary burial site was probably a tholos beehive tomb in the area, from which remains were moved into the cave after a period.