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Scientists from the University of Leicester have successfully relocated over forty lost archaeological sites in Cyprus, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. This discovery, achieved through a detailed survey in the Dhekelia area, enriches the understanding of Cyprus’ rich historical heritage and highlights the value of systematic archaeological efforts and collaboration in preserving these ancient sites. Slab quarrying near Xylophagou anchorage.
A small team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, funded by the DIO Overseas Stewardship Project, undertook a ‘walkover survey’ – a systematic surveying and recording of visible archaeological remains – of the Eastern Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia on the south coast of the island. The work, licensed by Cyprus’ Department of Antiquities in Nicosia, is to inform site management by the DIO, which is the custodian of the UK and overseas Defence estate.
In total, 51 sites including 5 historic buildings were located. Some records survived for 47 of the sites, but a further four were known only from labels on a 1:25,000 scale plan. Although the dating of most of the sites is currently unknown, they are likely to span from the Bronze Age which started c.2500 BC to the Byzantine period which ended in the 12Century AD, and to include sites from the Hellenistic period and Roman periods .
Large areas of rock-cut tomb extended over several hectares in one part of the inland plateau. Most of these tombs were in a very poor state and some bore clear signs of looting in the form of adjacent mounds of earth. Many tombs have been used as convenient areas for fly tipping. One tomb, part of a substantial cemetery surrounding a monastery to the west of Xylotymbou village was being used for caging cats.
The Dhekelia Sovereign base is around 20km wide and 7km deep and sits on the east side of Larnaca Bay. The topography is varied including a flat coastal strip meeting steep limestone cliffs and hills, with a broadly flat plateau on the interior which includes more areas of rocky outcrop and is bisected by rivers which are generally dry beds under cultivation. The coastal strip and plateau include areas of agriculture and horticulture, and areas of olive and citrus grove and scrub.
ULAS Archaeologist Matt Beamish recording a probable Byzantine period tomb near Xylotymbou. Credit: ULAS, University of Leicester
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