MONT CYNTHE
Small summit with a magnificent view on all Delos having a sanctuary with the terrace of the gods.
As there is limited time to explore the island, the highest point of Delos is not a must: Mount Cynthe requires an hour's visit. However, it is the starting point of the Delos adventure: according to Greek mythology, it is here that Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis. This small 113-metre high peak also shelters the oldest traces of human occupation on the island. And then there's the magnificent view of the Cyclades.
Sanctuary of Agathe Tyche
. About 50 m north-east of the terrace of the foreign gods, the stone staircase turns sharply to the right, skirting the ruins of this small sanctuary (20 x 13 m) dedicated to Tyche, the Greek goddess of good fortune. It was erected in the 2nd century BC by the Ptolemies, the Greek dynasty of Egypt.Heracles' lair.
More surprisingly, this archaic-looking temple is located away from the stone staircase: after the sanctuary of Agathe Tyche, continue for 60 m, then take the path that goes down to the right. It is a relatively recent temple, also dating from the 2nd century B.C. It is set in a rocky fault covered with huge granite slabs forming a trapezium. This primitive aspect has long suggested that it was a representation of the place where Leto hid and gave birth to Apollo and Artemis. More likely, the cave was home to a statue of the hero Heracles. Then take the stone staircase back to the top.Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena. The top of the Cynthe is occupied by mini-pyramids of flat stone composed by tourists as well as by some blocks carved in marble. The latter are the scattered remains of a 3rd century BC sanctuary which was dedicated to Zeus Kynthos and Athena Kynthia ("of the Cynthos"). The three rudimentary buildings that composed it have disappeared and only the propylaeum platform (entrance) remains visible. The supreme god of the Greek pantheon and his daughter had been honoured here since at least the 7th century. And, long before that, the beauty of the site probably inspired other cults. Indeed, the summit offers a magnificent view of all Delos and its archipelago, Mykonos (to the east), Tinos (to the northwest) and Syros (to the west), as well as of the whole Cyclades when the sky is clear. Slightly below the sanctuary, to the north-west, observe the traces of post holes: these are the oldest traces of habitation on the island, huts dating back to 2,500 BC
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