| Our visit to the sacred islet of Delos also gave us an amazing glimpse into life dating around the 3rd to the 2nd century BC. In Hellenistic times, Delos was not only one of the most important religious centers in Greece but also a flourishing center of commerce. Rich merchants, bankers, and ship owners from as far away as Syria and Egypt established homes on Delos, and Delos became quite a cosmopolitan town. At its peak, there were about 20,000 residents living on this small island, and Delos� wealthiest residents built lavish houses. Interestingly, the theater on Delos had a dual purpose. Not only did it provide entertainment, but it also acted as a collection system for rainwater. The theater�s waterways and the huge vaulted cistern at the bottom of the stage for collecting the water could still be seen. |
