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In Search of the Greeks (Second Edition) > Galleries > Sites ordered by name > Delos

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Delos

In myth, the small island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It lies in the heart of the Cyclades Islands – which in fact take their name from the fact that they lie roughly in a circle (cyclos) around the island of Delos. The whole island was considered sacred, and it was also the scene of some important moments in history, not least in 478 when the Athenians and her allies formed the ‘Delian League’ against Persia. In Roman times, the island became a focal point for the slave trade, and 10,000 slaves were said to be sold on one day.

Click on the links below for images of the site.

Resources

  1. Approaching the sacred harbour by boat
  2. A view down to the main ruins of Delos. The nearest island is Rhenia, which was home to the cemetery for Delos
  3. The heart of the site
  4. A view from one of the agoras back to the harbour
  5. The remains of the 'Poros Temple'. This was built of poros stone during the late 6th century BCE, and is the oldest temple to Apollo on the site
  6. The growing Roman presence at the site was demonstrated by the building of the 'agora of the Italians' in around 130 BCE. In the north-west corner the agora later had a set of baths
  7. The 'Terrace of the Lions' was dedicated to Apollo by the islanders of Naxos shortly before 600 BCE. These lions are replicas and the originals are in the Delos Museum
  8. The original Lions from the Terrace of the Lions
  9. Delos was home to some large and impressive houses. This is called the house of Dionysus after its central mosaic
  10. The House of Cleopatra
  11. The House of the Dolphins
  12. Looking up to the temple of Isis
  13. The temple of Isis
  14. The theatre of Delos
  15. The Delos Museum has a number of works of art found at the site. This relief from the House of the Lake depicts Hermes, Athena, Apollo and Artemis (late 2nd century BCE)
  16. A statue of Artemis killing a deer (2nd century BCE)
  17. A statue of Boreas, the north wind, abducting Oreithyia. This comes from the east pediment of the temple of the Athenians, and dates to the last quarter of the 5th century BCE
  18. A fresco of boxers fighting
  19. A mosaic of a panther