Graz Amargeti Survey Project Completes the seventh Archaeological Campaign in Pafos District.

The Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture has announced the successful completion of the archaeological survey campaign conducted by the University of Graz (Austria) in the wider area of Amargeti. The project, directed by Ao. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Gabriele Koiner, carried out fieldwork between 27 and 31 October 2025, marking the university’s inaugural systematic investigation in the region.

The survey team documented archaeological evidence across multiple localities, revealing activity spanning from the Bronze Age to the Medieval period. In the locality of Asomatos, researchers collected Medieval pottery alongside earlier Archaic terracotta fragments, indicating long-term human presence. At Loura tou Arkana, ceramic evidence suggests Iron Age use of the site. Roman-period activity was confirmed in the areas of Petros, Anthropos, and Xeroargarka, where fragments of Roman pottery were recovered. Significant discoveries were made at the localities Teratsoudi and Sotira, where the team identified Bronze Age material, including a Middle Cypriot jug handle and a gaming stone. This marks the first time the Graz Amargeti Survey team has been able to confirm Bronze Age activity within the territory of Amargeti.

Along the route leading from the village to the so‑called Venetian bridge in Routhounia locality, the team documented scattered coarse-ware sherds and identified an old pathway near the bridge. South of the village, toward the Xeros Potamos valley, the locality of Loutra produced a concentration of Roman fine and coarse wares, including amphora fragments and roof tiles. In Acherona forest, where drone photography revealed approximately 70 looted chamber tombs. Among the disturbed material, the team collected pottery fragments, including at least one Iron Age sherd.

The 2025 campaign has provided the first comprehensive archaeological dataset for Amargeti, highlighting the area’s long-term cultural significance.

Sources and Images:
University of Graz, https://amargeti-antike.uni-graz.at/en/amargeti/
Department of Antiquities, culture.gov.cy/da