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The island of Delos, an island steeped in history

Written on : 08 February 2019
By : Leo-Paul Weiss
The island of Delos, an island steeped in history

Close to Mykonos, the island of Delos is a haven of peace and tranquility far from the festive atmosphere of its neighbour. Delos, the ancient economic and religious centre of Greece, is today a preserved archaeological site rich in mythological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Today we are heading to the island of Delos to discover this magnificent sanctuary and place of conservation of the archaeological wonders of mythology and antiquity.

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Delos, a sacred island

Delos, a sacred island

According to Greek mythology, Delos was created by Poseidon following a call from his brother Zeus.  Indeed, the god of heaven and lightning fell in love with the goddess Leto, while he was married to Hera, and asked Poseidon to create an island where he could hide his sweetheart so that she could give birth to their children. With a stroke of his trident, Poseidon created two islands in the middle of the sea: Delos and Renee. It was on the small island of Delos that the twin's Apollo and Artemis were born. Since then, Delos has become the cradle of the Greek gods. 
If you are passionate or simply curious about Greek mythology, this island full of mysteries will surely seduce you.

The history of Delos: the rise before the fall

The history of Delos: the rise before the fall

Thanks to the legends around Delos, this small island has become the religious and economic center of Ancient Greece. Considered sacred, the island received many gifts, such as the picturesque terrace of lions, where you can admire the remains if you visit this treasure of the Cyclades.

Since ancient times, the island of Delos has been a major religious and economic center in ancient Greece. Considered a sacred place, the Greeks practiced the cult of Apollo. From a commercial point of view, the island experienced a strong development under Roman rule, which transformed Delos into a major commercial center in the area, thanks to the large reserves of freshwater that the island possessed. Merchants, bankers, and traders flocked there. The island was at its peak, thanks in particular to the lucrative trade in wheat and slaves. Thanks to its international influence, the island of Delos began to attract foreigners who came to settle there. The Terrace of the Foreign Gods bears witness to this period, a golden age for the island.

In the 11th century AD, Delos was destroyed and deserted during the Mithridatic Wars. This period marks the decline of the divine cradle of the Cyclades. Having become arid, deserted, and hostile, and with its freshwater resources exhausted, Delos did not arouse any further interest until 1846, the year in which the French Archaeological School of Athens opened. Still very well preserved despite the years, Delos became a historical excavation site before becoming a site open to the public. 

The archaeological gems of Delos

The archaeological gems of Delos

When you arrive at the site, you will be dazzled by the sanctuary of Apollo, erected in his honour. During your visit, stop to admire the famous Terrace of the Lions. These Paros marble lions, once numbering 16, were used to protect the site from outside invasion. Today, only 5 of these lions remain, but they are still an iconic symbol of Delos.

Continue your walk to the Theatre district, towards Mount Cynthe. This was once one of the most exclusive places on the island. In the heart of this district, you can contemplate the remains of the sumptuous mansions that are said to have belonged to famous Greek mythological figures such as Cleopatra or Dionysus. 

To the north of the Theatre District, enjoy a visit to the Archaeology Museum. Anyone interested in Greek history and mythology will feel right at home here. Jewels, ceramics, statues, vases, you will find a large number of extremely well-preserved remains of the island. 

If you still have some energy left, don't hesitate to climb Mount Cynthe, the highest hill of Delos. From the top, you will have a spectacular view of Delos and Rhenaeus.

Finally, don't miss the temple dedicated to Isis, goddess of the sailors, and just next door, towards the port, the one dedicated to Dionysus. It is likely to attract your curiosity because of its particular shape. We won't tell you more! 

Coming to Delos

Delos is easily accessible from Mykonos. It takes about half an hour to reach the site. From the other islands of the Cyclades, day trips are organised. 

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