In the midst of the Aegean Sea, Delos is a small, rocky island under 3.4 square kilometers with fierce oceanic forces at play: winds crash against its shores. This small island in the Cyclades boasts a reputation for housing the most revered sacred ground for the ancient Greeks and one of the most prominent ports of ancient times. Let's take a glance at its remarkable past.
As the setting for their most glorious narrative. According to myth, the island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and rose to become the spiritual hub of the Hellenic world, as well as its largest trading hub. Only remnants are left of this former power, which archaeologists (and visitors) continue to investigate today.
Planning a trip to the Cyclades? Here are some resources to aid your preparations:
- Greece: The Most Picturesque Islands to Explore in the Aegean Archipelago
- Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Cyclades: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Islands to Visit
- Note: The above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge and should not be solely relied upon for accurate information.
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It all began with a myth: Poseidon brought Delos out of the sea to provide a refuge for Leto, who was being pursued by Hera's jealousy. The birth of the divine twins Apollo and Artemis transformed the island into a sacred place. The Athenians strategically used this sacred atmosphere to their advantage: in 478 BC, they established the League of Delos, a maritime alliance whose treasures were kept in the sanctuary of Apollo. In order to accentuate the sacred character of the island, in 426 BC, they declared that neither births nor deaths should ever sully this land - the ill and pregnant women were sent to the nearby island of Rhenaeus.
From Haven to Mediterranean Depository
In the times of around 2,000 years ago, a collection of riches drew money-exchangers and money-lenders, who established their stalls in the protective shade of the temples. Divine protection ensured the security of financial transactions.
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In 167 BC, a Roman mandate turned Delos into a tax-free port. The island became a central hub of Mediterranean commerce and the predominant slave market in the East. Wealthy traders constructed grand mansions decorated with mosaics, which have been uncovered through archaeological excavations. Nevertheless, this affluence became the object of envy for many others: Delos was plundered in 88 and 69 BC by Rome's adversaries, and it began a relentless descent into decline.
From abandoned remains to the unveiling of a historical treasure
In the 19th century, archaeologists were captivated by these enigmatic relics. In 1872, the French School of Athens initiated the initial comprehensive excavations, which are ongoing to this day.
The eternal stillness of the divine
Come to contemplate what greatness remains when idols are abandoned.
