After the first half of the tour and the museum visit, we reached the Theater in the second half and got back on the boat.
The pictures were taken from the section of the route from point 7 to the end of the road.
Doric Temple of Isis
The Doric temple of Isis is part of a larger sanctuary dedicated to Egyptian gods, built in the early second century BC. It features two columns between pilasters and a triangular pediment decorated with a now headless bust. The female figure at the corner of the pediment represents Nike, the goddess of victory. The Athenians dedicated the headless cult statue of Isis in 128 BC, and the altar of the goddess still survives in front of the temple.
Alexander the Great and the Cult of Isis
When Alexander the Great conquered the Persian empire in the 4th century BC, it led to significant changes in the Greek world. The old city-state disintegrated, and the traditional religion faced pressure from new cults. Greeks turned to the Egyptian gods for spiritual support, and by the end of the 3rd century BC, the cult of Isis was established in Athens and Delos. Initially, only Egyptians could serve as her priests, but Athenians and Delians soon replaced them.
Transformation of Isis
The depiction of Isis transformed over time, with the old Egyptian type being replaced by a new image like other Greek deities. Isis wore multicolored garments representing light and darkness or life and death. She became the patron goddess of seafarers and was called Pelagia and Euploia by the seamen of Delos. Her cult statue was transferred to a lavishly decorated ship in early March, just before the sailing season opened.
House of the Masks
The House of the Masks is located at the foot of Mount Kynthos and features rooms built around a central court. The affluent owners adorned the main rooms with elaborate mosaics and plaster imitating marble. The mosaics include ten theatrical masks typical of New Comedy and a depiction of Dionysus riding a leopard between two centaurs. The house faced challenges in heating during winter, with portable braziers and curtains doing little to alleviate the cold.
Floors and Mosaics
Ancient Delians used different types of floors based on their needs. Secondary rooms had beaten earth floors, while upper floors had wooden floors. Important public rooms were decorated with durable mosaic floors that were easy to clean and impressed visitors. The most luxurious rooms featured elaborate decorative patterns made of square colorful tesserae.
Theatre of Delos
The Theatre of Delos could accommodate almost 6500 spectators and took seventy years to complete. It featured a massive marble retaining wall supporting the auditorium and seats with back support for priests and honored persons. The theatre hosted dramatic competitions and festivals honoring gods and mortals, helping to establish Delos’s regional influence. It also had a crucial function in water management, with a massive cistern in front of the theatre serving as a reservoir.
House of Dionysus
The House of Dionysus is one of the largest residences in Delos, named after the mosaic in the courtyard depicting winged Dionysus riding a tiger or leopard. The mosaic is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek art, featuring minute tesserae made of natural stone, terracotta, glass, and faience. The city had luxurious houses but lacked public restrooms and toilets in shops, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Life in Delos
Delos was home to thirty thousand residents at its peak in 90 BC, with most working as cooks and waiters serving pilgrims. The population included Athenians, Italians, and people from all over the Mediterranean world. Greek was the common language, and each nationality could worship its deities without harassment. The island also had a significant number of slaves from various regions.
House of Cleopatra
The House of Cleopatra, near the House of Dionysus, serves as a reminder of the ostentatious nature of some Delians. Cleopatra, an Athenian, decorated her house with statues of herself and her husband, Dioscurides. Visitors could see their hosts immortalized in marble as soon as they entered the house. The house is located at the end of an alley, marked by headless statues.
