The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has a rich history spanning over 10,000 years. Over the centuries, various civilizations have conquered and ruled over Cyprus, leaving behind a treasure trove of archaeological sites and ruins. These ancient cities, tombs, settlements and artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past. For history and archaeology buffs visiting Cyprus, the array of notable excavation sites is sure to impress and inspire awe.
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Kourion Archaeological Site
The sweeping Kourion Archaeological Site on the southwest coast is one of Cyprus’ most spectacular. This ancient city-kingdom dates back over 3,500 years when it was a center of Cypriot culture. Walking through the immense Roman amphitheater and baths, Early Christian Basilica, and agora from the 2nd century BC provides a glimpse into the city’s storied past. One of the most well-preserved mosaics in Cyprus, depicting figures from Greek mythology, was unearthed here along with other artifacts now housed in the site’s museum.
Tombs of the Kings
Just outside the city of Paphos lie the remarkable Tombs of the Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The underground tombs were built between the 4th century BC and 3rd century AD to be buried places for high-ranking officials and aristocracy of the ancient city. Hewn from solid rock, the layout of the tombs resembles an underground palace, intended for lavish burials and stacked with grave goods. Many contained colorful frescoes and Doric columns at their entrance.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Founded around the 4th century BC, the ancient city of Nea Paphos was the capital of Cyprus for over 1,000 years and the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. The sprawling Paphos Archaeological Park contains the ruins of grand Roman villas complete with intricate mosaic floors, bath houses, an odeon, Agora and even early Christian basilicas. The mosaics depicting scenes from Greek myths are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Amathus Archaeological Site
The once-powerful Ancient city-kingdom of Amathus has left an impressive archaeological site 10 miles east of Limassol. Flourishing for over 1000 years from 1100 BC, it was a center for worship of the goddess Aphrodite. Excavations have uncovered the remains of grand temples, gates, public baths, cemeteries and a Cypro-Classical theater. Amathus was eventually abandoned after Arab raids in the 7th century AD. The site provides insights into ancient architecture, burial customs and pottery styles.
Choirokoitia Settlement
The Neolithic Choirokoitia Settlement dates back from around 7,000 BC, providing a look into one of the earliest human settlements in Cyprus and the Mediterranean basin. Reconstructions of the stone circular houses, surrounded by fortified walls, show how these prehistoric people lived. Including dwellings, courtyards, burial sites and public spaces, this settlement reflects advanced architecture and social structure of its early inhabitants. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
House of Dionysos Mosaics
This aristocratic 4th century Roman villa in Paphos boasts the most impressive mosaics in Cyprus. The main feature is the rooms decorated with vibrant mosaic panels depicting Dionysius, the god of wine. Scenes also include myths, warriors, animals like panthers, leopards and deer hunting. These mosaics provide important insights into the lifestyle, art and culture of wealthy inhabitants in late Roman Cyprus.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
According to legend, god Apollo was born at this hilltop sanctuary near Kourion, where worship of Apollo Hylates, the god of the woodlands, began around 700 BC. In the 6th century BC, a grand temple with Ionic columns was built here. Though never fully excavated, complex cyclopean terrace walls, a rectangular temple, altars and other artifacts were uncovered. Ongoing excavations by the University of Arizona have already yielded coins, ceramics and figurines.
Marion and Arsinoe Palaces
The ancient city kingdom of Marion (located near Polis Chrysochous) was an influential center for over 1,000 years. Excavations have revealed fortification walls, public baths and an impressive Greco-Roman palace complex that included peristyle courtyard and fleeing animal mosaics. Nearby is the site of Arsinoe, the city named for Ptolemy II Philadelphus’ wife. Its excavated Royal Palace ruins date to the third century BC.
Soloi Archaeological Site
The ancient city-kingdom of Soloi near modern Famagusta features archaeological remains dating back over 2000 years. Ongoing excavations have revealed fortification walls, Athenian graves, Roman baths, basilicas, and the remains of copper smelting from Soli’s time as an important copper production center. Copper ingots and slag found here attest to the skilled metalworking during Cyprus’ ancient past.
Cyprus Museum
No visit to Cyprus would be complete without a tour through the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. This museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Cypriot antiquities. Highlights include extraordinary terracotta figurines from the Neolithic era, bronze weapons and gold jewelry once worn by ancient kings, ornate limestone sculptures, and intricate glass and pottery objects. The museum provides a chronological overview of the island’s fascinating history.
Cyprus’ numerous archaeological sites provide the chance to vividly imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. The continuing archaeological excavations constantly uncover new pieces illuminating Cyprus’ central role in the ancient Mediterranean world. Beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, ancient cities, tombs, and artifacts paint a compelling picture of this island’s rich cultural heritage.
FAQ 1: Which archaeological site in Cyprus has the most well-preserved mosaics?
The Kourion Archaeological Site on the southwest coast of Cyprus contains mosaics that are considered to be among the most well-preserved and impressive in all of Cyprus. Especially notable is the mosaic depicting figures from Greek mythology that was unearthed from a private Roman villa.
FAQ 2: Why were the Tombs of the Kings built?
The Tombs of the Kings were elaborate underground tombs built between the 4th century BC and 3rd century AD to be used as burial places for high-ranking officials, aristocrats, and royalty in the ancient city kingdom of Paphos. They were built to resemble underground palaces and filled with lavish grave goods.
FAQ 3: What can be seen at the Paphos Archaeological Park?
Spanning over 1000 years of history, the Paphos Archaeological Park contains ruins of grand Roman villas with intricate mosaic floors, bath houses, the odeon theater, agora marketplace, early Christian basilicas, and other structures from when Paphos was the capital of Cyprus during Roman rule.
FAQ 4: Why was the Choirokoitia Settlement significant?
As one of the earliest human settlements in Cyprus dating back to 7000 BC, Choirokoitia provides important insights into Neolithic architecture and the cultural development of prehistoric societies in Cyprus and the Mediterranean basin. It gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998.
FAQ 5: What is housed in the Cyprus Museum?
The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia houses the world’s most extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities including terracotta figurines from the Neolithic era, bronze weapons and gold jewelry of ancient kings, limestone sculptures, glass objects, curiosities, and other artifacts spanning Cyprus’ long archaeological history.