The cave of Stravomitis (Karnari-Spiliaridhia-Cave of Lykastos) at Juktas-Archanes : the Early Bronze Age material from Marinatos' excavation

In this article, the material of the excavation of Sp. Marinatos in Stravomitis cave, during the years 1949-1950, is discussed, to confirm the diachronic use of the cave, in which activities related to the sacred character of the Mt Juktas took place, especially in the Early Minoan (EM) period. The cave is located at the foot of the western slope of Mt. Juktas, near Ano Archanes, in the district of Herakleion. The pottery studied was found in all explored areas of the cave, especially in the deepest part of the lower gallery, as well as in a few wide chambers investigated in the upper gallery. The Final Neolithic (FN) and EM pottery from the cave are presented in detail, with brief mention of the material from the subsequent periods of use.

Unfortunately, the material without stratigraphic indications, was found in seven boxes in the Herakleion Archaeological Museum storeroom. FN/EM I use of the cave was only occasional, while intense use is observed in the early phases of EM (EM I and EM IIA), to which most of the ceramic material is dated, associated with the special activities that took place in the cave, related to the sanctity of Juktas. The MMand LM material is too limited except for the presence of many pithoi for hoarding or storage of grain or other goods associated with the peak sanctuary. The cave's subsequent use in the historical times is confirmed by the pottery of the late 8th c., the Late Hellenistic and the Roman period [Publisher's Text].

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