The island was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC, possibly by the Carians. It then emerges in Greek history from the beginning of the 10th century BC, where it becomes an important worship center of the Ionian world, starting with the mythological birth of Apollo and Artemis, and later becomes the seat of a large amphictyony of Aegean islands.

At the end of the 6th century BC, the Athenians tend to dominate the sacred island as well.

Already in 540 BC, Peisistratus decides on its first purification, while with the second one in 426 BC, the bones of all the dead of Delos are transferred to the neighboring island of Rhenia, and births and deaths are now forbidden on Apollo’s island so as not to defile his sanctuary.

With the arrival of the Macedonians in 315 BC, the island gains its independence and the ability to develop commercially.

The later settlement of the Romans results in the massive influx of Egyptians, Syrians, and Italians and the further development of the island until 88 BC, when during the Mithridatic Wars, it suffers two strong attacks and begins to decline until its final abandonment in the 6th century AD.

After centuries of inactivity, the French Archaeological School begins excavations at the archaeological site in 1873, and Delos emerges from obscurity, revealing its rich history to the entire world.

The Archaeological Museum of Delos is today one of the most important in Greece, with rare exhibits such as sculptures, vases, inscriptions, magnificent mosaics, and more.

Delos and Rhenia are under the protection of the Ministry of Culture, and the mooring of vessels and overnight stays of individuals without special permission are prohibited.