Table of Contents
Introduction
Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean that has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. Due to its strategic location, it was ruled by various powers like the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians over the centuries. This long and complex history has made Cyprus home to a wealth of archaeological wonders. There are sites scattered across the island that allow you to step back in time and marvel at the ingenuity of past civilizations. From crumbling temples to elaborately decorated tombs, Cyprus’s archaeological sites offer an unforgettable experience.
Kourion Archaeological Site
The Kourion Archaeological Site located outside Limassol provides fascinating glimpses into Cyprus’s past. It was once a major ancient Greek city kingdom that thrived for over 1,000 years. At the heart of the sprawling complex is the Greco-Roman Theater. This theater could hold over 3,500 spectators and many performances are still held here today. Another standout is the House of Eustolios, a lavish Roman villa with well-preserved mosaic floors and bath complexes. Kourion’s stadium and early Christian basilica are other noteworthy structures to explore while wandering through the evocative ruins.
Tombs of the Kings
In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paphos lies a phenomenal burial site – the Tombs of the Kings. Hewn from solid rock, these impressive underground tombs were built to honor high ranking officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods in Cyprus from 3rd century BC to 3rd century AD. The scale of the tombs is incredible, some being decorated with grand Doric columns. Walking through the eerie tomb tunnels is an experience not to be missed. The most notable tomb is No. 8, an elaborate tomb with an atrium built for the Ptolemaic governor Ptolemy Apion.
Choirokoitia Archaeological Site
Travel back 7,000 years in time at Choirokoitia, one of the most important Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean. In the 7th millennium BC, it was a prosperous early urban settlement on the island. The remains of the circular mudbrick and stone houses have been reconstructed, providing a glimpse into the world of the first Cypriot farmers and their early village life. Wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage Site today with its beehive shaped dwellings is truly transportive, where you can vividly imagine what life was like so many millennia ago.
Amathus Archaeological Site
The once-great ancient city kingdom of Amathus has an archaeological site that contains ruins over 4,000 years old. Wander through the remains of the splendid Temple of Aphrodite, the goddess who was said to have risen from the sea at Amathus. Pieces of colossal sculpture and striking gates to the temple still remain. Other highlights are the ruins of a Roman agora (market) and grand royal tombs carved out of solid rock dating back to 300 BC. Amathus was one of Cyprus’s most important city kingdoms, and this site provides a look into its long-faded grandeur as an economic and cultural hub.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
At the heart of the vibrant coastal town of Paphos lies the vast Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. This area was once the main center of Roman Cyprus, and the park preserves exquisite remains that give insight into the island during this period. The intricate and colorful mosaics from four Roman villas are simply jaw-dropping. The most impressive is the House of Dionysos with its depictions of the god of wine. Columns, marble ruins, elaborate tombs, and a Roman Odeon for entertainment are other highlights within the sprawling park that capture Cyprus’s rich history.
Tenta Archaeological Site
Situated near modern-day Larnaca, Tenta was an important late Bronze Age city that became a prosperous Cypriot city kingdom from the 13th to 12th century BC. The archaeological site features the remains of the mighty fortifications like walls and towers that surrounded the settlement. You can also see ruins from the palatial complex at the highest point of the ancient city. Artifacts like bronze tools and pottery vessels provide further glimpses into what life was like during Tenta’s heyday as a center for copper production.
Soloi Archaeological Site
According to legend, Soloi was founded by the Athenian warrior Philokypros after the Trojan War in the 13th or 12th century BC. Over time, it developed into an influential city kingdom on Cyprus. Exploring the Soloi Archaeological Site today, you can find remains of the grand temple, baths, theater, and basilica that once stood here. There are also finely crafted columns and Solon, the legislative reformer’s, tombstones on display. Soloi has the distinction of being the first Greek city to start minting its own coins, further reflecting its importance.
Tamassos Archaeological Site
Set in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Tamassos was once one of the most important ancient city kingdoms in Cyprus during the Bronze Age. The archaeological site preserves parts of the thriving settlement, including sanctuaries, royal residences, and tombs. Fortification walls and administrative buildings have also been uncovered. One of the most striking relics is a large limestone statue of a bearded figure, likely depicting Anatolian storm god Ba’al Hadad, reflecting Phoenician influence. Tamassos provides a lens into the political and religious culture of Cyprus centuries ago.
Marion/Arsinoe Archaeological Site
On the north coast, the archaeological site of Marion (or Arsinoe) offers a look into a once-prominent ancient Greek city. Marion thrived for centuries as a harbor city starting in the 4th century BC. Expansive ancient walls surrounded the city, and you can still see remnants that give a sense of the defensive fortifications and great size. Additional highlights are remains of the northern breakwater from the harbor, settlement ruins on the acropolis, and vestiges of temples dedicated to Zeus and Athena. The site provides insight into Marion’s past as a thriving port city.
Kalavasos-Tenta Archaeological Site
Discover fascinating artifacts from one of the first villages established on Cyprus at the Kalavasos-Tenta site. It was a small but prosperous village occupied from around 7000 to 6000 BC during the Neolithic period. Archaeologists have found remains of round stone and mud dwellings, pottery, stone vessels, picrolite figurines, and intricately worked obsidian. Visiting this site provides an illuminating glimpse into how some of Cyprus’s very first permanent settlers lived and expressed their artistic skills over 9,000 years ago.
Conclusion
Cyprus contains some of the Mediterranean’s richest archaeological sites with fascinating ruins spanning thousands of years. From monumental royal tombs to detailed mosaic floors, the island provides an incredible opportunity to dig into the past. Exploring sites like Kourion, Paphos, and Choirokoitia allows you to vividly imagine life in ancient civilizations through the centuries and gain perspective on Cyprus’s essential historical role. With so many stunning ancient sites offering captivating windows into the past, it’s easy to see why Cyprus is an archaeological wonder. Plan your own odyssey through the ages, discovering Cyprus’s incredible history and culture.
FAQs
What time period do most of the sites date back to?
Many of the key archaeological sites in Cyprus originate from the ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, dating from around 800 BC to 400 AD. However, sites like Choirokoitia feature ruins over 7,000 years old from the Neolithic period.
What is the oldest archaeological site in Cyprus?
The Choirokoitia Archaeological Site contains remains dating back to around 7,000 BC during the Neolithic period, making it one of the oldest human settlements ever discovered in Cyprus.
Which site has the most well-preserved mosaics?
The House of Dionysos at the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park has some of the best preserved and most elaborate mosaics on the island from when it was a wealthy Roman villa.
Are the archaeological sites wheelchair accessible?
Many of the sites have accessible paths and ramps to key areas. However, some are difficult to maneuver with wheelchairs due to uneven ancient terrain and stairs. Kato Paphos and Choirokoitia have good accessibility.
What is the best way to get around to all of the sites?
Renting a car is ideal for archaeology enthusiasts wanting to see as many sites as possible. Guided coach tours are also available if you prefer not to drive yourself. Public buses connect some of the major sites near cities like Paphos and Larnaca.