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From ancient times the barren granite 5x1.3 km island of Delos, which lies in the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, has been considered sacred as it was the reputed birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis, two important deities in the Greek pantheon. Their mother, Leto, delivered the divine twins on the island following her relationship with Zeus and while trying to escape the jealous Hera. From a small sanctuary it grew into one of the three most important religious sites in all of ancient Greece. Due to its location equidistant from Egypt, Syria and Greece, the island also became an important entrepot and emporium for eastern Mediterranean commerce. The arrival of the Romans in the 2nd century BC led to increased prosperity and the establishment of one of the largest slave markets in the East. The importance and wealth of the island made it a _target for the enemies of Rome and, in 88 BC, Mithridates (Mithridates VI Eupator), the king of Pontus, sacked the city. With the lack of defences and shifting geopolitical factors, the economy of the island declined and it was abandoned some years later. The archaeological site is so extensive that possessing some idea of the visitor's particular interest would assist in navigating through the site. Due to the advanced state of ruin, the confused layout and the limited time available, the services of a guide may be helpful. It is hoped that this short introduction with 100 or so images will nonetheless prepare the visitor and assist in obtaining the maximum enjoyment from the experience.