In Greek mythology, Theseus left Ariadne on the island of Naxos after escaping Crete. Their stop on Naxos became one of the best-known episodes connected with the Minotaur story.
Ariadne had helped Theseus navigate the Labyrinth and escape after defeating the Minotaur. Ancient and later retellings differ on why he departed without her: some say he abandoned her, while others connect the separation with the god Dionysus, who then became Ariadne’s husband.
The island is sometimes called Dia in older accounts or discussed alongside nearby islands, which can create confusion. Naxos is the standard answer in the widely retold version. The episode also became a major subject for classical painting, opera, poetry, and modern adaptations of Greek myth.