Oikos of the Naxians

The Oikos (House) of Naxians was built in the early 6th century BC using large granite stones (since granite was one of the key components of the island's terrain). There are different theories about the use of the building: it may have been the oldest temple of Apollo, a storage space for sacred vessels and votive offerings, or even a restaurant. The most important structure associated with the House was the 9 meter high statue of Apollo that stood in the northwest corner of the building, where the huge marble base weighing approximately 32 metric tons remains today. The god was represented as a Kouros, a naked youth with long hair, sturdy shoulders, and his left leg slightly ahead of the right one. Today, parts of the statue (the torso and pelvis) are located in the Artemisios sanctuary of the goddess Artemis in Delos, part of the left leg is in the British Museum, and part of the left foot is in the Archaeological Museum of Delos.