Delos

Delos, a small rocky island in the center of the Cyclades, birthplace of the god Apollo (Delian Apollo), was a religious, cultural, and commercial center of the eastern Mediterranean for more than 500 years. Reaching its high point in the Roman era, it had more than 30,000 inhabitants from all parts of the Mediterranean in 90 BC. It was one of the best examples of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence in antiquity. Its decline began with its destruction and plunder in 88 BC by Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, and continued during the pirate raids of 69 BC. Since 1990, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.