In the Prehistoric period, Kronos, Rhea, Gaia, Themis,
Eileithyia, Hercules Idaios and other deities were venerated at
the foot of the Kronios hill, at the very site occupied by the
Altis in later times. Here excavations revealed a primitive
sanctuary and possibly a settlement of the Early Helladic III
period (2300-2000 BC); the site was continuously occupied until
the Late Helladic III period (1600-1100 BC). Several prehistoric
buildings in the area of the Heraion have been investigated and
back-filled. Building III, the only building still visible, is
situated south-east of the Heraion, below the Archaic and
Classical levels of the temple. It is an apsidal structure
oriented north-south. The surviving lower course of the walls is
of irregular stone, while the upper part of the walls was
probably of perishable materials. Pottery finds date the
building to the end of the Early Helladic III period (2150-2000
BC) and indicate contacts with the Cetina culture in the
Dalmatian coast. These apsidal buildings, toge