John Sheldon's photos

The island of Delos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. When Greek mythology formulated the story of Apollo and Artemis in the first millennium BCE Delos was made their birthplace, although the island had been a holy site long before that. In later times the island became a very important and wealthy trading centre and surprisingly well populated given its scant natural resources; but by the 1st century BCE trade routes had changed and the island became uninhabited. It is still uninhabited today apart from visiting archaeologists and researchers.

A marble altar in the ruins of Delos is reflecting the sunlight. This is fitting as Delos is the mythical birthplace of the Greek sun god Apollo (and his sister goddess Artemis). My attribution of this particular altar as dedicated to Apollo is speculative. Why let fact get in the way of a good story?

The island of Delos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. When Greek mythology formulated the story of Apollo and Artemis in the first millennium BCE Delos was made their birthplace, although the island had been a holy site long before that. In later times the island became a very important and wealthy trading centre and surprisingly well populated given its scant natural resources; but by the 1st century BCE trade routes had changed and the island became uninhabited. It is still uninhabited today apart from visiting archaeologists and researchers.

These statues are exact replicas of the originals. The originals can be seen nearby in the Delos Archaeological Museum. The island of Delos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. When Greek mythology formulated the story of Apollo and Artemis in the first millennium BCE Delos was made their birthplace, although the island had been a holy site long before that. In later times the island became a very important and wealthy trading centre and surprisingly well populated given its scant natural resources; but by the 1st century BCE trade routes had changed and the island became uninhabited. It is still uninhabited today apart from visiting archaeologists and researchers.

The island of Delos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. The island is dry with poor soil and it would have been of no interest to anyone had it not been for its position as a holy sanctuary. When Greek mythology formulated the story of Apollo and Artemis in the first millennium BCE Delos was made their birthplace, although the island has been a holy site long before that. In the Homeric Hymn to Delian Apollo the Titaness Leto says: "Delos, if you would be willing to be the abode of my son Phoebus Apollo and make him a rich temple – for no other will touch you, as you will find: and I think you will never be rich in oxen and sheep, nor bear vintage nor yet produce plants abundantly. But if you have the temple of far-shooting Apollo, all men will bring you hecatombs and gather here, and incessant savour of rich sacrifice will always arise, and you will feed those who dwell in you from the hand of strangers; for truly your own soil is not rich." In later times the island became a very important and wealthy trading centre and surprisingly well populated given its scant natural resources; but by the 1st century BCE trade routes had changed and the island became uninhabited. It is still uninhabited today apart from visiting archaeologists and researchers.

A church building sited in the harbour area at Mikonos in the Cyclades.

Where the most western part of Mykonos town meets the sea is the area known as "Little Venice". Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea"s edge with their balconies overhanging the water. During the 16th and 17th century pirating was common and it is believed this area was used for the necessary quick loading and unloading of goods.

A symbol of Mykonos' rich past, the island's windmills represented one of the earliest manufacturing units in Greece, showing the locals' great use of innovation in their effor to harness the enormous power of the wind. It is said that there used to be 28 windmills all over the island, 10 out of which were located here in the Kato Mili complex.

A cat (probably stray or feral) relaxes on the dockside at Mykonos. There is a fish tail nearby.