Delos
Our final day on this voyage through the Cyclades was spent exploring the ancient center of the Cycladic culture, Delos. Currently uninhabited except for archeologists, it sustained a population of 30,000 inhabitants in the 1st century BC. For ancient Greeks, it was the most sacred spot, due to it being the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island was looted and plundered twice, in 88 and 69 BC, and fell into decline after that. Excavations are still in progress, and the site is very extensive.
We went ashore as the site opened, and for the first few hours had the site to ourselves. Splitting into groups, we explored the many different temples, houses, agoras, and scenic vistas. A line of lion statues, dedicated by the Naxians, guard the sacred lake where Apollo was born. The residential district has many restored buildings with impressive wall paintings and mosaic floors, and the statue of Cleopatra marks the site of her important house.
Weaving our way up the hill, we entered the impressive theater, and then above it, two homes with stunning mosaic floors. The House of Dolphins was exciting, but the House of Masks, probably a residence for actors, was unbelievable. The detailed floors, all over 2,000 years old, show the amazing wealth and importance of this site. Many of us continued all the way to the summit of the highest peak, site of the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena, to enjoy spectacular views. It was a wonderful ending, not only for being able to see the surrounding islands including Mykonos, but to get an overview of this center of the Cycladic Islands.
Our final day on this voyage through the Cyclades was spent exploring the ancient center of the Cycladic culture, Delos. Currently uninhabited except for archeologists, it sustained a population of 30,000 inhabitants in the 1st century BC. For ancient Greeks, it was the most sacred spot, due to it being the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island was looted and plundered twice, in 88 and 69 BC, and fell into decline after that. Excavations are still in progress, and the site is very extensive.
We went ashore as the site opened, and for the first few hours had the site to ourselves. Splitting into groups, we explored the many different temples, houses, agoras, and scenic vistas. A line of lion statues, dedicated by the Naxians, guard the sacred lake where Apollo was born. The residential district has many restored buildings with impressive wall paintings and mosaic floors, and the statue of Cleopatra marks the site of her important house.
Weaving our way up the hill, we entered the impressive theater, and then above it, two homes with stunning mosaic floors. The House of Dolphins was exciting, but the House of Masks, probably a residence for actors, was unbelievable. The detailed floors, all over 2,000 years old, show the amazing wealth and importance of this site. Many of us continued all the way to the summit of the highest peak, site of the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena, to enjoy spectacular views. It was a wonderful ending, not only for being able to see the surrounding islands including Mykonos, but to get an overview of this center of the Cycladic Islands.
