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Modern Description: To the west of Delos, at a distance of less than a kilometre stretches the lower half of the island of Rhéneia. The Rhevmatiari Islets lie in the channel between the two islands, making the crossing between the main islands narrower still. The archaeological interest on Rheneia lies mostly in the northern part of the island which is joined to the lower portion by an isthmus less than 100m across. The ancient settlement was around the bay of Aghia Triada on the west coast. On its north side of the bay are the interesting remains of a Sanctuary of Hercules, dating from the late 2nd century BC, which were brought to light in 1900 together with a statue of the hero. An impressive and curious rectangular building in the sanctuary possesses some beautiful decorative elements: on its east side is a deep, semicircular tank with a water-spout in the form of a shell, and a delightful floor-mosaic depicting swimming dolphins. (Remains of two large square towers and other walls atop Pyrgos hill mark Rheneia's ancient acropolis with traces of a medieval fortification as well, 900 m SE of the sanctuary. The island was dedicated to Delian Apollo by Polykrates of Samos. In practice, ten estates covering a large part of Rheneia were leased out, with the income going to the sanctuary on Delos.)
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rineia
Wikidata ID: Q1475379
Trismegistos Geo: 2051

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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