Caves

Feb 12
2 min read

Updated: Mar 12

Caves represent and symbolize both the Underworld and eternity. They are sanctuaries and safe harbors from the encroachment of the passage of time. For instance, the Maya worshipped their gods in caves before they had temples or pyramids, and those caves are still visible in Belize today. This is true of many similar cultures, such as the Native American Hopi who, like their Puebloan ancestors, place their Kivas (places for worship) underground, accessible only by a ladder. The sipapu, a sacred opening positioned on the holiest place in the Kiva, leads to an even deeper realm, from where their ancient ancestors emerged into this world. The Neoplatonist Porphyry (234–305 AD) attests to similar notions. He explains that before there were manmade temples, all religious rites took place in caves (De antro nympharum; also, On the Cave of the Nymphs in the Odyssey). It can therefore be argued that the temples in ancient Greece and Rome are man-made substitutes for the cave. The so-called cella or naos—the inner chamber or “Holy of the Holy”—of a classical temple was always windowless, so that the temple’s most sacred part would remain dark and cave-like. Many of the ancient poets and thinkers were known to have spent long periods in caves, sometimes disappearing for months or even years, only to emerge with new knowledge or wisdom that allowed them to create a new religion or to reform an old one. Compare to Epimenides, Pythagoras, Orpheus, Minos, and Zalmoxis. Even the supreme deity, Zeus, was born supposedly in a cave on Crete. See also Temenos.