The Birthplace of Zeus
Birthplace of Zeus
In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus, God of the Sky, is the number one deity. As such, he is considered the ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans.
To visit his birthplace, we climbed high into the mountains of central Crete in Greece to descend into the Dikteon Cave.
Two Caves
Actually two caves — the Dikteon and Ideon — both located in the Cretan central mountains are associated with the birth of Zeus. The most important and famous is the Dikteon, considered a sacred place of cult worship for centuries. Few were permitted entrance at that time.
Today, visitors are welcome.
Up 1025 meters (3360 feet)
A car climb of 1025 meters into the mountains found us in the parking lot of the Dikteon Cave on the northern slopes of Mount Dicte.
Rhea, Mother of Zeus
According to legend, Rhea gave birth to, and concealed, baby Zeus in the Dikteon Cave. She needed to protect Zeus from his offspring-gobbling father Cronos. The mad father wanted no heirs to challenge his power.
No donkeys for the climb
A sign at the beginning of the 800 meter climb to the Dikteon Cave warns us no donkeys are available to carry us to the cave’s mouth. So, we made a two-legged climb. We were the only visitors.
Entrance to the cave
Entrance to the cave is 1025 m above sea level. The cave covers about 2200 square meters.
Then it’s down…
We must descend about 80m to the bottom of the cavern.
Inside the cave…
Astonishing scenes inside the cave show stalactites (grow down) and stalagmites (grow up) in beautiful patterns.
The legend behind the myth of Zeus
Zeus was allegedly born in the centre chamber of this cave.
Cronus, his father, was considered to be the son of Heaven (Uranus) and Earth (Gaia). Uranus had many children by his mate Gaia. Uranus hid all the children in the earth so that Gaia couldn’t find them.
An angry Gaia
Gaia sought revenge and one of her children, Cronus, was able to castrate Uranus. He threw the testicles into the sea and thus was born Aphrodite, goddess of love.
Cronus mates with his sister Rhea
Cronus then took his sister Rhea as his partner. His parents warned him that one of his offspring would likely overthrow him. Consequently, Cronus devoured each of his first five children.
Sister Rhea fools Cronus; conceals Zeus
After the birth of her sixth child Rhea gave Cronus a stone — wrapped as a baby — to swallow and kept Zeus concealed in the cave. When Zeus became of age, he defeated Cronus.
Supreme ruler of the gods
Zeus drew lots with his brothers Poseidon and Hades for the title of Supreme Ruler. He won. Thus, Zeus became supreme ruler of the gods.
He is often depicted as an older man with a beard, represented by symbols such as the lightning bolt and the eagle.
Map of Crete
Covid Update
For information on Covid for travellers to Crete, click here
Sights and Sounds of Crete
How to Get There
From Athens take a 50 min flight from Aegean Air from Athens to Heraklion
Alternatively there are ferries from Athens to Crete.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Kronos Hotel in the historic centre of Heraklion. It is close to the port, restaurants, tour companies, shops. Very moderately priced.
Tip – we found a wonderful late night taverna near our hotel – it was Ligo Krasili Ligo Thalassa
Getting Around
We rented a car since there is so much to see and do in Crete. Buses are available for transportation between towns and cities. This car rental agency is near the Kronos Hotel
Visas for Greece
For Visas and tourist entry to Greece, click here.
Read our other blogs from Europe
Travelled: November, 2011
Sounds great. One of the places Barry and I wish to go to once covid gets under control.
For sure the gods are waiting for you!