Man-Made Space versus Natural Space in Greek Cult Caves, in: A. Haugg – A. Müller (eds.), Hellenistic Architecture and Human Action. A Case of Reciprocal Influence, Scales of Transformation in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies 10 (Leiden 2020) 161–181
Hellenistic Architecture and Human Action, 2020
The paper deals with man-made interventions in or around Greek sacred
caves. Although very limite... more The paper deals with man-made interventions in or around Greek sacred
caves. Although very limited artificial alterations are characteristic for sacred caves in the Greek motherland, a synoptic view of the evidence shows that many of the caves display but one or two. After a brief summary of the evidence and the problem of defining a sacred cave, various artificial elements present in the caves will be discussed. They concern both alterations to the natural setting and the building and setting up of features such as architecture (buildings, walls, terraces, altars), images of gods (sculpture and rock-cut elements), inscriptions and plantations. Although the cave was itself considered sacred, man-made modifications were used for delineating and defining space, both inside and outside the caves, for ritual and non-ritual purposes.
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of Greece. Despite the necessarily fragmentary approach, the picture that emerges is one of a multifaceted personality who made numerous important contributions to Greek archaeology. For a variety of reasons, some of which were of his own making, he was only partially able to reap the fruits of his labor.
caves. Although very limited artificial alterations are characteristic for sacred caves in the Greek motherland, a synoptic view of the evidence shows that many of the caves display but one or two. After a brief summary of the evidence and the problem of defining a sacred cave, various artificial elements present in the caves will be discussed. They concern both alterations to the natural setting and the building and setting up of features such as architecture (buildings, walls, terraces, altars), images of gods (sculpture and rock-cut elements), inscriptions and plantations. Although the cave was itself considered sacred, man-made modifications were used for delineating and defining space, both inside and outside the caves, for ritual and non-ritual purposes.