CAVE, any large subterraneous hollow. These were undoubtedly the primitive habitations, before men began to build edifices above ground. The primitive method of burial was also to reposit the bodies in caves, which seems to have been the origin of catacombs. They long continued the proper habitations of shepherds. Among the Romans, caves (antra) used to be consecrated to nymphs, who were worshipped in caves, as other gods were in temples. The Persians also worshipped their god Mithras in a natural cave consecrated for the purpose by Zoroaster. The cave of the nymph Egeria is still shown at Rome. Kircher, after Gaffarellus, enumerates divers species of caves; as divine, natural, &c.—Of natural caves some are possessed of a medicinal virtue, as the Grotto de Serpente; others are poisonous or mephitical: some are replete with metalline exhalations, and others with waters. Divine caves were those said to affect the human mind and passions in various ways, and even to inspire with a knowledge of future events. Such were the sacred caverns at Delphi which inspired the Pythia; the Sibyl's cave at Cumæ, still shown near the lake Avernus; the cave of Trophonius, &c.