Nymfoliptos Cave of Vari
Nymfoliptos Cave of Vari is an ancient place of worship that was violently destroyed by Christians, who tried to turn it into a Christian hermitage.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1901 An excavation was carried out by the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
1765 It was discovered by the traveler Richard Chandler and many followed him.
1809 Visited by Lord Byron.
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
The cave suddenly ceased to be used in the middle of the 3rd century BC.
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Its use began around 5th century BC.
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
On the south side of Hymettus, at an altitude of about 290m., and specifically on the hill Krevvati, there is a small, two-room cave which was dedicated to the god Pan, the Nymphs and other dieties. It is not an organized archeological site and the entrance to the cave is vertical and quite dangerous, so care needs to be taken when entering.
What I can't see
It was an elaborate cave with sculptures, carvings on the rock and inscriptions. Many of these works were by Archedimos, who called himself a “nympholept”, that is, one who is seized by the nymphs. The cave is also called Panos (Pan) or Archedimou. A large number of ceramic objects, vases, oil lamps, figurines and coins have also been found. Three of the tribute reliefs are in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. The cave suddenly ceased to be used in the middle of the 3rd century BC, but started to be used again in the 4th century AD by the Neoplatonists. Finally the cave was permanently abandoned at the end of the 4th century or the beginning of the 5th, probably after a catastrophic attack by Christians, who unsuccessfully tried to turn it into a hermitage.
Bibliography
Μαρή Α., (2012), Σπήλαιο Νυμφολήπτου ή Πανός ή Αρχεδήμου, [Cave of the Nympholept or Pan or Archedimos] Οδυσσέας, Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=9841
Last visit 20/2/2021
