Ancient worship
Sacred since the late Neolithic period (around 4000 BCE), the cave was dedicated to the god Pan, the Corycian Nymphs, and occasionally associated with Dionysus and Zeus.
Mythology
Named after the Naiad nymph Corycia, legend states that Apollo seduced a nymph here who gave birth to their son Lycorus. Aeschylus and Pausanias both wrote of its divine and breathtaking atmosphere.
Wartime refuge
During the Persian invasion of 480 BCE, local residents of Delphi used the cavern as a safe hiding place. It continued to serve as a shelter during later conflicts, including invasions by Turks and Germans.
Archaeological discoveries
Excavations conducted in 1970–1971 by Pierre Amandry (French School of Athens) uncovered thousands of votive offerings, including pottery, bronze figurines, and over 25,000 animal bone astragals (knucklebones) used in ancient rituals. Many findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
