Cave Sanctuaries of the Acropolis of Athens

Natural fissures and cavities in the rock of the Acropolis hill in Athens that served as cult sites from the Archaic through Classical periods. On the northwest slope, three caves hosted worship of Zeus Olympios, Apollo Hypoakraios ('beneath the rock's edge'), and Pan, whose cult was established after the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE when he reportedly caused panic among the Persians. The southern slope held sanctuaries of the Nymphs, Aphrodite, and Isis, while the east side featured a cave honoring Aglauros, daughter of mythical king Kekrops. These slope sanctuaries represent personal piety distinct from the state religion practiced on the summit.