The cave is situated on the
south side of the Vohinas gorge at an elevation of 70m.asl. Its formation is
attributed to both tectonic activity and chemical solution of the limestone
bedrocks. In its present form the site gives the impresion of a large
rockshelter (190m2) and has a NW orientation. An array of strustural
characteristics (e.g. rock falls, stalagmitic formations) suggest that in the
past this karst formation was a proper cave with a small entrance. The stratigraphic sequence contains both
prehistoric (Late Neolithic II, Early Helladic I and II) and historical (Late
Archaic and Hellenistic) layers. The end of the prehistoric use is fixed,
according to the C14 dating, at 4.543+140 BP. Human use of the site ceased for
about 2.000 until the end of the 6th c.B.C. In parallel the change of the
character of occupation is remarkable. During the prehistoric periods the cave
was used on a seasonal basis within the context of animal husbandry and food
producing economy, whereas during historical times itserved as assanctuary
probably dedicated to the worship of the Nymphes.
Archaeological research started in 1992 as
a rescue excavation after an illegal plundering. Research is continued to the
present and since 1994 as a systematic project. The excavated area is 55 m2 down
to a depth of 2-4 m., but bedrock has not yet been reached.
The rich finds of the historical times,
which demonstrate the intensive use of the cave as a sanctuary, include ceramics
(cult vase and votive offerings, some imported from Corinth and Attica),
figurines, mostly of female dieties, few lamps, as well as animal bone remains,
a result of sacrifices to the diety. The repeated use is also proved by the
presence of pits. During the prehistoric phases we highlight the presence of
utiliterean ceramics (e.g. pithoi) as well as the in situ intensive production
of lithic tools. There is also important evidence of the intentional
organisation of space, as proved by the presence of store hearths, living floors
and relics of rudinentary walls.
The cave is situated on the
south side of the Vohinas gorge at an elevation of 70m.asl. Its formation is
attributed to both tectonic activity and chemical solution of the limestone
bedrocks. In its present form the site gives the impresion of a large
rockshelter (190m2) and has a NW orientation. An array of strustural
characteristics (e.g. rock falls, stalagmitic formations) suggest that in the
past this karst formation was a proper cave with a small entrance. The stratigraphic sequence contains both
prehistoric (Late Neolithic II, Early Helladic I and II) and historical (Late
Archaic and Hellenistic) layers. The end of the prehistoric use is fixed,
according to the C14 dating, at 4.543+140 BP. Human use of the site ceased for
about 2.000 until the end of the 6th c.B.C. In parallel the change of the
character of occupation is remarkable. During the prehistoric periods the cave
was used on a seasonal basis within the context of animal husbandry and food
producing economy, whereas during historical times itserved as assanctuary
probably dedicated to the worship of the Nymphes.