v49_0180 - CYCLADES - DELOS ISLAND - DELOS Unité, (MB, Æ 21)

CYCLADES - DELOS ISLAND - DELOS

(3rd - 2nd century BC)

Delos is the island where Leto gave birth to Artemis and Apollo. The island was famous for its sanctuary dedicated to Apollo. In the 6th century BC, Delos came under the influence of the neighboring islands of Naxos and Paros, then of Samos before falling under the influence of Athens. It became the headquarters of the Attico-Delian league from 477 BC. The island was liberated by the Spartans in 405 BC. The island remained occupied by the Spartans until 394 BC J.-C. before being part of the second Athenian thalassocracy from 377 BC. From 314 BC, the city was part of the Nesiotic League. Delos fell under Agidian influence in 287 BC and remained there until the defeat of Andros in 246 BC which ended Ptolemaic naval rule. The island then obtained a certain autonomy. The island received the status of free port in 166 BC which then experienced its greatest period of prosperity under Roman protectorate. the island was devastated by pirates in 69 BC and lost much of its prestige.