Delos Island is one of the most significant mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. It is near Mykonos island and the center of Cyclades, and, according to Greek mythology, it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Moreover, Delos was a major cult center and a pilgrimage site for the Ionians between 900 BC- 100 BC. Today, it is possible to visit the ruins of ancient Greek temples dedicated to several gods and goddesses such as Hera, Isıs, Dionysus, Apollo, and Artemis.
Due to its sacred importance, Delos Island was purged of all tombs till the 5th century BC. Moreover, dying or giving birth on the island was prohibited.
According to Thucydides, the original inhabitants of the island were piratical Carians (since 3000 BC) until King Minos of Crete expelled them. By the time Homer wrote Odyssey, the island had already got famous for being the birthplace og the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Today, there are several archaeological sites on the island such as the Isis Temple, The Temple of Delians (dedicated to Apollo), the Terrace of Lions, the Temple of Hera, and the House of Dionysus. Also the Delos Synagogue on the island is the oldest known synagogue today.
