The island of Delos is an important archaeological site, but also has mythological and historical significance. When you step of the boat, you are immediately aware that here are the remains of a once thriving community. The remains of a settlement, including a market, temples, villas, etc, date back to the 3rd millenium BC when it was a religious center and busy port from ancient times. While the island is still under excavations, many of the artifacts found are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
Delos was also a holy sanctuary for a millennium. According to Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of twins, Apollo and Artemis. The island was first inhabited in the early Bronze Age. There are Mycenaean tombs that have been excavated dating from the late Bronze Age. It became a thriving.
Delos was most prosperous in Late Hellenistic and Roman times, when it was declared a free port and became the financial and trading center of the Mediterranean. By 100 BC the island
a population of 30,000, which included foreigners from as far away as Rome, Syria, and Egypt. Each group built its own shrines and lived in relative harmony despite their differences. The island’s commercial role was more prominent during Roman times.
My advice is go early in the morning when it is cooler and bring bottles of water. While the museum has restrooms and free water bottles, the café was not open when we visited at the end of May. So, there was not much in terms of food and drink other than what we brought with us. If you are prepared, it is a great way to step back in time and see a great historical site.
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