A dramatic presentation 'THE DELIA' was the final event of the festival. It was the first run of a new play. It may need some changes. It will continue through this season at the Delian Theater. I hope to be able to improve upon it.
The Spartans did have the best horses and won most of the events. Everyone wonders where did they get such fine animals? Already they are preparing to ship all of them back to the mainland. It is to difficult to keep horses here. We were fortunate to be able to host such a spectacle. The Spartans were most eager to impress us with their abilities. Yet they remain apart from the league.
There was much dancing and rejoicing in the streets last night. The narrow streets of the town became a labyrinth for the dancers, who clasped hands together and formed a circle. A sacred bull was set among them to join the revelry. The bull was a gentle creature and this year no one was gorged. No one was even injured. The dance should not be preformed here. It is a great risk even sans the bull. The bull will be the final sacrifice. All of this is done in memory of Theseus whose spirit still walks these shores and dreams for the glory of Athens.
Herkules Hippon of Thebes has taken the gold in all the gymnastic competitions. This is an unprecidented event. He is the winner of all the major awards and prizes. This includes the coveted Helios trophy.
The Prince of Sparta won three of the equestrian events. His sudden departure from the island with the Princess of Crete was a tragedy that should have been avoided. News arrived that the Princess arrive safely on the island of Cypress. There is only wreakage left of the ship. We must presume the Prince of Sparta to be lost at sea. We grive for him and those who knew and loved him.
Atehena Nike
Delian Festival
Trios of Delos
The Trios of Delos, a mosaic symbol found on the Sacred Island is the award given to all who take part in the festivities.
Four ships arrived yesterday. Theseus has come from Athens. An important meeting was held last night at The House of the Dolphin. Now both Timoleon brothers are back on Delos, at least for the Delian Festivities. Apollo is now assigned to the far west and Artimis is Harbor Master here. Jason of Argos and Leander of Thebes are also here, and there is an envoy from Sparta.
The pilgrims have started coming early with the return of the swans. We are all dressed in white. It is important that the sanctuary remaine pure.
This day honors the birth of the god Apollo on Delos.
The Sacred Island is now full of many visitors from all over 'Megale Hellas'. Many ships are in the harbor. The games have begun, and the theater has two presentations going. 'Helen' [a comedy] and The 'Illiad' [a spoof]. From dawn to dusk many are attending the theater. There is the smell of roasting oxen in the air, and the Delians are making preperations to entertaine their guests. By the light of torches the island glows like a jewel in the silver moonlight.
Today young girls will play the bear and make a procession to the Sanctuary of Artemis with their lighted moon cakes. We prepare to celeprate the birthdays of the gods. We will banish all harmful spirits, and give the gods and each other honor.
Important dignitaries from Athens are here. The hospitality of the Delians is well known. All slave auctions have ceased for the duration of the festival. The opening ceremonies went well. Theseus himself officiated. The palm trees sway in the night breeze. Music, song and laughter and the smell of fresh baking bread are in the air. The oracle has decreed the aspects to be favorable. Tomarrow the crane dance will be preformed in the Noxian Oikos has it has been done for thousands of years. This is a time of new beginings. The atmosphere is so full of excitement that none can sleep. They make themselves comfortable and tell each other stories of long ago days gone by.
The god Apollo set sail from the port of Piraeus with his sister the goddess Atremis. The DELIAN FESTIVAL_ Has begun as many ships from around the world pass Cape Sounion and the Temples of Zeus and Athena. The bronze statue of the god will be placed in the Temple of Apollo. The Delian Celebrations have begun.
Map of Delos Island
This important archaeological site is divided into four districts: the sanctuary; the city, with residential and commercial quarters; the terrace, occupied by the temples to 'foreign' gods; and the sports center, palastra, and stadium.
The sacred way can be found behind the ancient port and late Hellenistic agora.
brought many economic advantages. The members formed a "common market' that facilitated Mediterranean trade. In the space of mere decades Athens became enormously wealthy. This unrivaled economic strength was due to the discovery of silver which was mined with slave labor at Laurion (Sounion).
Young girls dressed in saffron robes; not older than 10 years nor less than 5; visit the shrines of Artemis appeasing the goddess. The reason was that a wild she-bear used to come to the deme of Phlauidoi and spend time there; and she became tamed and was brought up with the humans. Some virgin was playing with her and, when the girl began acting recklessly, the she-bear was provoked and scratched the virgin; her brothers were angered by this and speared the she-bear, and because of this a pestilential sickness fell upon the Athenians. When the Athenians consulted the oracle [the god] said that there would be a release from the evils if, as blood price for the she-bear that died, they compelled their virgins to play the bear. And the Athenians decreed that no virgin might be given in marriage to a man if she hadn't previously played the bear for the goddess." -Suidas 'Arktos e Brauroniois'
The Delian League has set sail. Where will the winds take us now?
We have returned to find much in disorder. It has been a long abscence. There is evidence of some looting and some natural disaster. Only a few have managed to make their way to the sacred place. The floating island in the midst eludes them. The streets are now empty. Perhaps this is as it should be. Life on these rocky shores is not easy. Even if it is blessed by Apollo, conditions are uncertain. Little reconstruction work is being done. As the oracle of the island, my energy seems to be focused on the maintenance of what appears to be a ruined effort. Still I enjoy my excursion. Time stands still. I attempt to pick up the pieces of a faded dream and long ago memory. Change is the only certianty. Let's make it for the better.
