In Greek mythology, Delos was regarded as the birthplace of Apollo.
The myth says that Leto, pregnant by Zeus, searched for a place to give birth while Hera prevented other lands from receiving her. Delos, described in some versions as a floating island, eventually offered her refuge. There Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis, the divine twins.
Delos later became one of the most important religious centres of the ancient Greek world. It was especially sacred to Apollo, and the island hosted the Delian Games, a festival held in his honour. A major sanctuary developed there, attracting pilgrims from across the Aegean.
Delos is sometimes confused with Delphi, another famous centre associated with Apollo. Delphi was the sanctuary of Apollo’s oracle on mainland Greece, while Delos was the island linked to his birth. The two places had different geographical and religious roles.