One of the shrines to Pan in Israel was situated at the northern site of Banias (Caesarea Philippi). Known as the Panion, it was in use from the 3rd century BCE through the 5th century CE and served the population of the town and its environs. When Pan’s cult was first established there, the site was far removed from any urban center. At its heart there was a large natural cave, beneath which one of the sources of the Jordan River issued. Literary sources provide little information about the site or the cultic activities that took place there, except for an interesting description by Eusebius, the 4th century bishop of Caesarea, who mentions a festival rite during which a live goat was cast down into the cave, where it was believed to disappear miraculously, owing to the God’s power. Archaeological excavations at Banias uncovered evidence of additional rituals, mainly cultic banqueting and the offering of simple gifts. Over the centuries, a city grew around the shrine, which itself expanded to incorporate the cults of Zeus, Hermes, Nemesis, the nymphs Echo and Maia, and even the emperor Augustus.
“Dear Pan”
In addition to the God’s public cult, Pan was also worshiped by private individuals, who sought His assistance and counsel, turning to Him with the familial invocation, “Dear Pan.” They held sacrifices, feasts, and celebrations in the presence of families and friends, and offered such gifts as figurines, votive plaques representing Pan and the Nymphs, and even cooking utensils, dining ware, and oil lamps, which were placed in the sacred cave at the culmination of the festivities.
SOURCE: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Wikipedia
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