Ancient Kition in Larnaca, South Cyprus

Kition, now mostly buried under modern Larnaca, was an important ancient city. Originally settled by the Mycenaeans and the Phonicians 3,000 years ago, it was the birthplace of Zeno the philosopher and, according to tradition, its first Christian bishop was Lazarus. Several interesting pre-Greek shrines have been uncovered here.

Excavations of ancient Kition were begun by the Swedes in the 1920s, but most of the ancient city remains buried under modern Larnaca. The British were surpremely unhelpful to posterity, carting off loads of "rubble" to fill in marshes.

The main site of interest is Area II of the site, where a wooden catwalk provides a view of ongoing excavations. The ruins are of the Phoenician resettlement atop Late Bronze Age foundations. A variety of interesting ancient sacred sites have been uncovered here.

The main visible structures are those of a large shrine that was rededicated to the fertility goddess Astarte by the Phoenicians and four small earlier temples. The large shrine, known as "Temple 1," is 35m x 22m, constructed of ashlar with a rubble infill, and was approached by a monumental entrance.

The four smaller temples are connected to copper smelting workshops suggesting either worship of a copper-related deity or at least a religious interest in copper production. Another shrine, thought to be dedicated to a male seafaring god, contained a pipe for the ritual smoking of opium.

Few Hellenistic or Roman artifacts have been found at Kition, making the site unusual and especially important. It also makes it politically delicate, as Greek Cypriots tend to be less enthusiastic about ruins of Asiatic cultural origins.

HOW TO GET THERE
Take Kilkis St to the right of the museum and then Leontiou Machaira St to the entrance, which is almost concealed by new houses.

OPENING HOURS
Mon-Fri 9-2:30; also Thu 3-5pm in winter; closed in the afternoons of July and August.