Delos

This is a most impressive site, it would take a week to explore all of it, a worthwhile side trip for sure.

Delos, an island located near Mykonos, close to the centre of the Cyclades archipelago is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis from Greek Mythology. Hera had ordered all the lands of the Earth to never let Leto rest on land to give birth. Delos was an exception, as it was a floating mass of land that wasn’t nearly an island, neither connected with the mainland.

Today Delos is considered the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.

The excavations in the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean; ongoing work takes place under the direction of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, and many of the artifacts found are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Delos had a position as a holy sanctuary for a millennium before Olympian Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. From its Sacred Harbour, the horizon shows the three conical mounds that have identified landscapes sacred to a goddess (presumably Athena) – in other sites: one, retaining its Pre-Greek name Mount Cynthus, is crowned with a sanctuary of Zeus.

In 1990, UNESCO inscribed Delos on the World Heritage List, citing its exceptional archaeological site which “conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port”, its influence on the development of Greek architecture, and its sacred importance throughout Ancient Greece.

Eileen at the Sacred Harbour, the horizon shows one of the three conical mounds that have identified landscapes sacred to a goddess (presumably Athena).
In classical times, The area to the left has yet to be excavated! It was illegal to die on the sacred isle of Delos. It was also illegal to give birth there. Delos was the birthplace of two gods: Apollo and Artemis. That made the tiny island incredibly holy. There had been a sacred sanctuary on Delos since Minoan times.
Amy at the harbor. The small island became soon the maximum emporium totius orbis terrarium (S. P. Festus, 2nd century AD) – the greatest commercial centre of the whole world. The prosperity of the island and the friendly relations with the Romans were the main cause of its destruction.

The best way to see what has been excavated in Delos is to use the above Interactive Map of Delos. Load the map then add the satellite (upper left) and if you want detail, take the yellow man and drop him on a location.

Archaeological sites cover almost the entire island, starting from the harbour at the west side. The most important ruins in this district are: The three temples dedicated to Apollo; The Altar of Dionysos: remains of a huge phallic monument; The Lion Terrace: the famous lions of Delos, a gift from the Naxians; The sacred lake: the place where Apollo was born; Cleopatra’s House: a building (2nd century BC), which took its name from the two headless statues of Cleopatra that where found in it; The theatre: built in 2nd – 3rd century BC, it could seat 3,000 to 5,000 spectators; House of Dionysos, House of the Masks and House of the Dolphins, all of which contain marvelous mosaics.
Water well
Plastered walls still exist!
Mosaic tiled floors.
Detail in above mosaic.
Base of a press (olive or fruit).
In the process of rebuilding a structure, if they have 60% of the material they can rebuild it.
Extensive pieces of original buildings everywhere.
Temple of Isis
The monument originally comprised nine to twelve snarling marble lions, facing towards what is known as the Sacred Lake of Delos. Today, only seven of the original lions remain and they have been relocated to the island's archaeological museum, where they are now protected from the elements.
Ampitheater, rainwater was captured by the ampitheater and directed to a cistern (mid left) for use by inhabitants 3000 years ago.
Artifacts found in the ruins, now in the museum.

 

This is one super site, and it is not all excavated yet! My brother’s grandson is here at the dig!

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