"Greek sanctuary sinks into Aegean"

Witness the gradual submersion of a revered Ancient Greek sanctuary as it succumbs to the relentless embrace of the Aegean Sea. This poignant spectacle reflects the inexorable passage of time and the profound impact of natural forces on human history and culture. Immerse yourself in the solemn beauty of this sinking sanctuary, a haunting reminder of the ephemeral nature of civilization and the enduring power of the sea.

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - Just a short boat journey away from the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos lies Delos, a UNESCO heritage site renowned as a pivotal sanctuary in ancient Greek and Roman history.

Delos, embraced by crystalline blue seas, boasts structures dating back 2,000 years, providing invaluable insights into daily existence in the Hellenistic and Roman epochs.

However, scientists caution that within a few decades, due to escalating sea levels induced by climate change, this site characterized by its temples protected by stone lions may vanish indefinitely.

"Delos is slated for disappearance in approximately 50 years," stated Veronique Chankowski, director of the French archaeological school of Athens (EFA), which has conducted excavations at the site for the last 150 years with authorization from the Greek government.

The quiet turmoil unfolding on the small Aegean Sea island stands in stark contrast to the bustling energy of neighboring Mykonos, a magnet for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Greece’s treasures caught between tourism and conservation

Boston Brand Media also found that the most severe structural deterioration is evident in a section that previously accommodated trade and storage structures during the first and second centuries BCE, which remains inaccessible to visitors.

Seawater eroding walls

"During winter, water seeps into the storage areas, eroding the foundations of the walls," remarked Jean-Charles Moretti, director of the French mission on Delos and a researcher at the French state institute for the research of ancient architecture (IRAA).

"Each spring, I observe the collapse of newly weakened walls," Moretti shared with AFP, having participated in excavations on the island for the last 40 years.

"Over the past decade, sea levels have surged by as much as 20 meters (66 feet) in select areas of the island," Chankowski added.

A recent study conducted by Aristotle University in Thessaloniki revealed that rising temperatures, coupled with heightened humidity, can profoundly alter the chemical composition of materials utilized in cultural heritage sites.

"Similar to the human body, monuments are engineered to endure specific temperature ranges," noted study supervisor Efstathia Tringa, a meteorology and climatology expert at Aristotle University, speaking to Kathimerini daily earlier this year.

Moreover, a constant influx of tourists from Mykonos, often straying from designated zones, poses an additional challenge.

During the summer, only a few archaeologists are available for supervision.

Delos held immense significance to the ancient Greeks as the birthplace of Apollo, the god associated with light, arts, and healing, as well as his sister Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.

Both Apollo and Artemis were prominent deities revered by both the Greek and Roman civilizations.

Pakistanis spent $2.19bn on outbound tourism in 2023, highest in six years: report

During the Roman era, Delos reached the pinnacle of its renown, drawing pilgrims and merchants from various corners of the ancient world, flourishing into a vibrant city with a population estimated at around 30,000.

However, the island's prosperity became its downfall. Delos suffered plundering on two occasions in the first century BCE and was eventually deserted entirely.

"At present, we've employed wooden support beams to bolster certain walls," remarked Chankowski.

"However, implementing more substantial measures is intricate and demands a multidisciplinary approach," she added.

"Athens, like all coastal cities, will face substantial losses in areas presently at sea level," stated Athena-Christiana Loupou, a Greek archaeologist leading tours through the site's key features.

"We swapped plastic straws for paper ones, but unfortunately, we've ultimately failed in our efforts to safeguard the environment," she lamented bitterly.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: brecorder‍