A welcoming "year-round" Mediterranean island, Cyprus is home to some remarkable archeological treasures, namely the ancient city-kingdoms, or "city-states" referring to administrative areas within a particular region. Historical sources identify ten Greco-Phoenician city-kingdoms in existence in 673 BC, with a few more added later. Over time, many were ransacked or abandoned, ravaged by earthquakes, or built over by more modern-day cities, leaving nothing or very little remaining. Fortunately, there are some astounding sites which have been uncovered, most notably Kourion and Paphos in Southern Cyprus, two must-see city-kingdom gems.
Kourion Archaeological Site
Lying in the Lemosos (Limassol) region near the modern town of Episkopi above the fertile Kouris River and valley, is the Kourion Archaeological Site. Dating back to antiquity, majestic Kourion existed through Hellenistic, Roman, and early-Christian eras until being irreparably destroyed by a series of earthquakes within the 4th Century AD.
Several stately villas have been unearthed in the necropolis, including the House of Eustolios, the House of Achilles, and the House of the Gladiators, all containing beautiful mosaic floors dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD. Large baths equipped with cold (frigidarium), warm (tepidarium), and hot (caldarium) water, plus an elegant nymphaeum with large octagonal swimming pool, Agora, fountain house, Palaestra (gladiator training grounds), and a Basilica have also been found.
The restored “Forum” (2nd Century BC) is an excellent example of a Greco-Roman theatre and has sweeping views to the sea. The theatre can accommodate up to 2000 spectators and is used nowadays for open-air musical and theatrical performances, but in ancient times played host to gladiator games.
A rare find is the “Earthquake House”, which has provided unique insight into 4th Century AD Cypriot family life. In addition to the bodies of the family in residence, animals, tools and utensils were discovered.
Just 2.5 km west of Kourion is the 7000-spectator capacity 400-metre-long stadium, which, in the times of Ancient Greece, was used for viewing athletes participating in Greek sports.
The Temple and Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Not far past the stadium toward Paphos is the Sanctuary and Temple of Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodlands and protector of Kourion. Evidence indicates that the cult of Apollo was celebrated here between the 8th Century BC and the 4th Century AD. According to legend, sacrilegious offenders were cast into the sea for daring to touch Apollo’s altar! This sanctuary underwent distinct architectural phases and includes Archaic, Ptolemaic, Hellenistic, and Roman features with Cypro-Corinthian columns thrown in for good measure.
Paphos (Pafos)
For over 600 years in Antiquity, Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. The entire area is immensely archeologically rich and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided into lower (Kato or Nea) and upper (Pano or Kitma) sections, the main archaeological excavations are located in Kato Paphos, near the harbour. The sheer scope of this important city-kingdom’s layout is breathtaking and includes Roman villas and baths and some early Christian structures.
The mosaics are stupendous! Among the finest in the Mediterranean basin, these mosaics depict scenes from Greek Mythology and date from the 3rd to the 5th centuries AD. The House of Dionysus, the Villa of Theseus, the House of Orpheus, and the House of Aion all have mythological creations of awe-inspiring beauty featuring the Gods, Goddesses, legends, battles, and celebrations of old.
The cavernous Tombs of the Kings are also found on the grounds of the Paphos necropolis. Decorated with Doric pillars, the tombs were carved out of solid rock and though intended for noblemen or wealthy landowners rather than kings, they were so magnificent the nickname, “Tombs of the Kings”, caught on rather quickly.
Sanctuary of Aphrodite
Found in Old Pafos, or Palepafos, is the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, located outside of Kato Paphos in the more modern village of Kouklia. With remains dating back to the 12th Century BC, this sanctuary was a famous pilgrimage site that remained active until the 4th Century AD. Excavations are still being carried out and a museum in honour of the goddess exhibits many interesting archaeological finds from the area.
All in all, the ancient city-kingdoms of Southern Cyprus possess inspirational archaeological findings and sights, enticing and enchanting visitors with more than just the sun, sea, and sand of Mediterranean.
Tina Lynch - Based in Paris, Tina is an American bonne-vivante living in France. She currently spends her time working as a medical copyeditor, ...
