Exploring Ancient Cyprus
The Eastern Mediterranean is a hotbed of human history. From
Troy and her famous citizens to the vast Roman Empire that
conquered the region with such panache, many thousands of years
of human drama have unfolded in this small corner of the world.
The island of Cyprus is no exception. Great temples, ancient
cities and magnificent residences merge to provide a collage of
life on Cyprus that stretches back more than 10,000 years.
At Choirokoitia, near present-day Larnaca, a village of stone
dwellings stands as evidence of the beginnings of life on
Cyprus. Archaeologists have dated activity at Choirokoitia to
7500BC. The Neolithic Cypriots who inhabited the village would
have spent their days farming the surrounding lands and hunting
with tools fashioned from stone.
A visit to Choirokoitia really is a humbling experience...and
one that is unforgettable.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans
Fast forward a few thousand years and we find ourselves admiring
the legacies of the ancient Greeks who came to Cyprus. The
ancient city-kingdoms of Amathus and Kourion, both now sprawling
archaeological sites near the Limassol coastline, offer us a
glimpse into a world dominated by lust, war and veneration of
the Gods.
By the early years of Christianity the Romans arrived on the
shores of Cyprus. In typical Roman style the Empire set about
embellishing the older Grecian structures, placing their own
architectural stamp-mark on Cyprus. Amphitheatres like the
magnificent example at Kourion and the smaller but still very
impressive Paphos Odeon near Paphos, are Roman creations that
are 'must see' attractions on a tour of ancient Cyprus.
No trip around the ancient Roman Empire in Cyprus though is
complete without a visit to the Paphos Mosaics. Situated in Kato
Paphos, close to the modern-day harbour in the town, are three
Roman villas sporting some of the finest examples of Roman floor
mosaics in the entire Eastern Mediterranean.
The mosaics at the House of Dionysus show Dionysus - the Greek
God of Wine - with Ikarios, the King of Athens. The House of
Aion, which was the second Roman villa to have been uncovered on
the site, depicts the birth of Dionysus. The third and arguably
most impressive villa on the site describes Theseus and his
mythological battle with the Minotaur in the Labyrinth.
Getting around Ancient Cyprus
The easiest way to tour Ancient Cyprus is to hire a car. Car
hire can be booked in advance for pick up at the international
airports at Larnaca and Paphos through
http://www.your-carhire.com
Most of the ancient archaeological sites are signposted from the
main highways in Cyprus, so are easy to find. An entry fee is
normally charged at each site, but is equivalent to no more than
1 or 2 euros / dollars per adult.