History of the Peloponnesian War

It was at this time too, after the purification, that the Athenians first celebrated the quinquennial festival of the Delian games. There had been, however, even in very early times, a great assembly of the Ionians and the neighbouring islanders held at Delos; for they used to come to the feast with their wives and children, as the Ionians now do to the Ephesian festivals, and gymnastic and musical contests were held, and the different cities took up bands of dancers.

Homer shows most clearly that such was the case, in the following verses, taken from a hymn to Apollo.

1. Anon to Delos, Phoebus, wouldst thou come,
2. Still most delighting in thine island-home;
3. Where the long-robed Ionians thronging meet,
4. With wives and children, at thy hallow'd seat;
5. With buffets, dance, and song extol thy name,
6. And win thy smile upon their solemn game.