archaeaology

Upgrade, not relocation urged for Limassol museum

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Upgrade, not relocation urged for Limassol museum

During her visit to Limassol, Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou stated that the Limassol Archaeological Museum should stay at its current location and receive an upgrade. Kassianidou toured various archaeological sites, including the ancient port and new burial sites in Amathounta, as well as the Episkopi Museum and excavation sites in Erimi. She emphasized the museum’s central location and its role as a workspace for archaeologists and conservators. Kassianidou mentioned the need for the museum to expand and highlighted its potential for educational spaces. She acknowledged the need for studies and budget integration before renovations can proceed and expressed goals to extend the museum’s operating hours. Additionally, Kassianidou discussed improving the maintenance and management of archaeological sites and making Amathounta more attractive to visitors. She also noted that the Episkopi community museum requires upgrades and maintenance and mentioned an issue with the site in Erimi, which is privately owned.

Kalavasos archaeologists discover ancient room

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Kalavasos archaeologists discover ancient room

An ancient room and other artefacts were discovered during archaeological excavations at the Kalavsos-Laroumena site near Larnaca in 2023. The discoveries were made in two trenches, each measuring 16 square meters. The archaeologists found multiple large drystone walls containing pottery. One wall had thick ash and charcoal deposits, indicating the presence of architectural structures on the Laroumena hillside during the Middle Cypriot period, rather than agricultural use. One of the walls was notably thick, measuring 90 centimeters. Items such as spindle whorls, shell beads, a stone pendant, and pottery were found. Evidence of stone toolmaking was also observed, suggested by the large number of worked stone flakes and blades found near the site.

Kalavasos archaeologists discover ancient room

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Kalavasos archaeologists discover ancient room

An ancient room and other artefacts were discovered at the Kalavasos-Laroumena archaeological site near Larnaca. The discoveries were made in two 16 square meter trenches. The archaeologists found multiple large drystone walls containing pottery, with one wall having thick ash and charcoal deposits. The back wall of the room was beneath a modern terrace wall, indicating that the Laroumena hillside was terraced in the Middle Cypriot period for architectural purposes, not agriculture. One of the walls was particularly thick, measuring 90 centimeters. Items such as spindle whorls, shell beads, a stone pendant, and pottery were found. The presence of a large number of worked stone flakes and blades suggests that stone toolmaking occurred near the site.

Possible Carmelite Order community uncovered in Limassol excavation

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Possible Carmelite Order community uncovered in Limassol excavation

Archaeologists have found evidence suggesting the presence of a Carmelite Order community around the Panagia Karmiotissa church in Kato Polemidia, Limassol. The excavation was directed by Dr. Andreas Nicolaides and Dr. Margot Hoffelt, resulting from a two-year collaboration between the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence of the Technological University of Cyprus and the CNRS Laboratory of Medieval and Modern Archaeology in the Mediterranean Area, supported by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. The site is suspected to date from the 13th century, although the existing church’s architecture indicates it cannot be older than the 14th century. Three test pits revealed occupation levels from the 13th century and post-Byzantine periods, as well as potential burial sites and indications of massive structures beneath the church, warranting further excavation.