Kition


Larnaca in Cyprus , as it can be seen today, stands on the centuries-old foundations of the ancient Kition, which is one of the oldest settlements in the world. Legends say that the first stones of the majestic city were laid by Kittim, the grandson of the biblical Noah. During his long history, Kition has visited many ruling powers and changed many names. At various times it was occupied by the Phoenicians, Romans, Egyptians, Arabs and Byzantines. The current name he found only in the middle of the last century, when he was captured by the Turks. There is a suggestion that Larnaka city ​​was called because it was found a huge number of ancient stone sarcophagi (from the Greek "larnakkes").

Ruins near Larnaca

Remains of the ancient city-state were discovered by British researchers as far back as 1879 when working on draining local marshes. However, archaeological work began only thirty years later - in 1920. Studies have shown that the first settlements of Phoenicians and Mycenaeans appeared here in the first millennium BC, and the city itself - Kition - was built by the Greeks several hundred years later. Large-scale excavations made it possible to extract foundations of ancient buildings, unique Kition mosaics and household items from the ground. However, most of the centuries-old city remains buried under modern Larnaka .

Like other cities in Cyprus , Kition was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, so today it has preserved so few whole buildings - stone walls, composed of huge stone blocks, a port and a large-scale temple complex that included five buildings, were destroyed. However, the main shrine of Kition - the church of the biblical Lazarus , who was the first bishop of the city, is still in its original place - in the very center of Larnaka.

Archaeological Museum of Larnaca

The Archaeological Museum was opened in 1969, and for the first time the exposition occupied only two halls. In the next few decades, the island was actively engaged in archaeological work, and the museum's collection has expanded significantly.

The collection of the museum contains ceramic vessels and statuettes, pagan sculptures, preserved fragments of architectural structures, ivory, faience and alabaster products. The exhibition presents detailed reconstruction of city buildings and dwellings of that time. Items found during the excavation of the ancient Kition take in the Archaeological Museum of Larnaca a separate room. A significant part of the Kition's finds are also kept in the British Museum in London. And some valuable items were sold in private collections, thanks to which the city "treasury" was significantly enlarged. All the money received from the sale of Kition's values ​​was spent on the construction of modern Larnaka.

Place of archaeological excavations

By the way, the ruins of the ancient city are open to visitors in Cyprus , they are located at a distance of 1 km from the museum building, so you can always see for yourself the place of archaeological works. You can get to the place of excavation on foot, but any local taxi driver can easily take those who wish there. To study ruins, of course, is more interesting from inside - for a small fee you can go directly to the ancient stones and mosaics - but also to inspect them from above because of the fence is no less fascinating.