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Paphos’ Tombs of the Kings: one of the world heritage sites

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The Tombs of the Kings is a large necropolis lying about two kilometres north of Paphos harbour in Cyprus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Location

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

The underground tombs, many of which date back to the 4th century BC, are carved out of solid rock, and are thought to have been the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high officials up to the third century AD (the name comes from the magnificence of the tombs; no kings were in fact buried here)

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, ArchaeologySome of the tombs feature Doric columns and frescoed walls. Archaeological excavations are still being carried out at the site. The tombs are cut into the native rock, and at times imitated the houses of the living

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

The tombs have been known and casually explored for centuries[citation needed]. The oldest modern account was written by Richard Pockocke, in 1783. Almost a century later, in 1870 the first archaeological excavations were conducted by Luigi Palma di Cesnola, the Italian-born American consul to Cyprus. In 1915 the first excavations under scientific supervision took place, led by Menelaos Markides, who was the curator of the Cyprus Museum

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

Systematic excavations took place in the late 1970s and the 1980s under the direction of Dr Sophocles Hadjisavvas, former Director of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus. Dr Hadjisavvas is preparating the finds for publication with assistance from the Australian archaeological mission to Paphos.

Part of the importance of the tombs lies in the Paphian habit of including Rhodian amphorae among the offerings in a burial. Through the manufacturing stamps placed on the handles of these amphorae, it is possible to give them a date and, through them, the other material from the same burial

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

Thus, it is hoped to develop a more secure chronology for archaeological material in the Eastern Mediterranean of the Hellenistic and early Roman periods

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

It is reported that much of the information related to the tombs was lost over time. Several factors contributed to that: It is believed that many of the tombs were rich in expensive grave goods, despite that very few of such goods were to found by the official archaeological missions, and thus it is believed that grave robbers of the past were responsible

Cyprus, Paphos, Tombs Of The Kings, Archaeology

Also, the tombs’ proximity to the sea side hindered the preservation of the buried bodies. Despite those obstacles, the historical significance of the Tombs is well established among experts and locals

Tombs of the Kings by Paride8.JPG

By Romeparis 

Tombs of the Kings (Pafo) by Paride3.JPG

By Romeparis 

Tombs of the Kings (Pafo) by Paride2.JPG

By Romeparis 

Source:

Wikipedia

Photos:

Pixabay

Wikipedia

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