The 2021 archaeological excavations of the French Archaeological Mission at ancient Kition (Larnaka-Pampoula) have been completed. The mission brought to light significant archaeological evidence of the ancient city illustrating its unique character, from the Late Bronze Age to the Classical period.

The excavations carried out by the French Archaeological Mission, under the direction of Dr. Sabinne Fourrier (MEAE-CNRS-Lyon2 University). The mission was a four-week campaign and took place in October, 2021. The objectives of the French Mission were: (1) to complete the excavation of the neoria which had been exposed during previous fieldwork (1984-1999), (2) to explore the Iron Age stratigraphy and (3) to expose and study, through excavation, trenches dating to the ”transitional period” of the 12th – 11th c. BC.

The excavation f the neoria

The excavation f the neoria of Kition was completed by moving the tennis court which covered the area during the last years. The research was oriented by two main questions: (1) what are the limits and shape of the harbour basin and (2) is there an extension of the ship-sheds towards the east?

Excavation trenches were created in order to address these questions. The excavation of two trenches in the northern and eastern parts of the site (under the former tennis courts) indicated that the basin extended over the whole area of the modern archaeological site. The “closed harbour” mentioned by Strabo was a naturally protected basin, which was accessed by the North, and not by the East, and was linked to the Kathari bay, further North. Coming from the North, triremes could be handled more easily than previously thought, in order to be hauled stern first on the ramps of the ship-sheds.

Excavation to the East of the ship-sheds building revealed at least one additional ramp (fig. 1), evidenced by a pillar base. This base is constructed of a huge limestone block resting on a strong massif of blocks (fig. 2). To the East extends a sandstone wall, which connects with another base-like structure, probably functioning as part of a closing wall of the building. Further East, only debris from modern backfill was removed, down to the water-table.

The excavations at the area brought to light data in which a building may thus be reconstructed. This building would have been comprised of 7 parallel rows of ramps, open on the harbour basin to the North, delimited by terracing walls on its western and southern sides and by a wall made of a succession of bases and supporting pillars on its eastern side.

Fig. 2. Pillar base framing the 7th ramp of the shipsheds to the East, viewed from North.

Results of the excavation of Trench 11

Trench 11 focused on the exploration of the Iron Age stratigraphy at Kition. The Trench reached Classical levels. Architectural features are poorly preserved, but a pit was excavated, which was filled with Phoenician ostraca (inscribed material). This concentration of administrative documents proves the existence in the vicinity of a scribal office, linked to the royal administration. The variety of inscribed materials is striking: pottery sherds, limestone and gypsum plaques (fig. 3), and even pebbles.

Results of the excavation of Trench 10

Trench 10 focused on the identification of data dating to the ” transitional period”. The settlement dating to the ‘transitional period’ (12^th˗11^th c. BC) was further exposed to the North (fig. 4). Part of a very well-preserved house was uncovered, with a succession of floor-levels (chalky floors resting on a layer of small pebbles), with a hearth and a possible artisanal installation. 

Source: Department of Antiquities of Cyprus (Link)

Photos: Department of Antiquities

Cyprus Archaeology Gazette