During ancient times, Tinos (similar to Delos) was one of the most important religious centers. In the 5th century B.C. it became the center of worship of Poseidon who was worshiped both as a sea god and as a healer. In the 3rd century B.C. the temple was the reconstructed and expanded and Amphitrite started being worshiped. She was the wife of Poseidon and the goddess of fertility.
Believers arrived at the temple for the following reasons:
- Travelers to faraway destinations stopped at the Temple of Poseidon so that he would give them favorable wind for their the journey.
- The temple of Poseidon was considered equal to the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus. Patients begged Poseidon to heal them, attended ceremonies, and followed treatments given to them by the priests of the temple.
- Tinos was a stopover for the pilgrims going to Delos. First they bathed at the purifying waters of the temple of Poseidon and then they went to Delos.
The temple declined in the mid-1st century B.C. and was abandoned in the 3rd century A.D. due to problems of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Heruli.
Excavations have brought to light parts of the foundations of the two temples, the guest house, the bath, and a podium. The magnificence of the temple is also seen in the sculptures included in the findings of the excavations. All ancient findings are protected by corridors which help visitors move and wooden bridges. Also, there is an open air place for events.
