Ancient Treasures in Cyprus

Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean and one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations, has a rich and fascinating history dating back as far as 12 millennia. With many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Neolithic village in the Maroni River valley, Khirokitia, and the spectacular Tombs of the Kings near Paphos, history enthusiasts consider Cyprus a mine of well-preserved ancient treasures.

However, a worker in a construction site made another discovery that sets Cyprus apart and dates early humans living on the island right back in the Stone Age. Six ancient water wells were discovered near the popular coastal city of Paphos in the southwest, where many tourists enjoy the luxury accommodation in Ktima and Kato Paphos in the summer.

In one of the wells, archaeologists made something of a grizzly find: the body of a young woman was encased inside, along with bone fragments, sharp flints and stone jewellery. A spokesman commented that it showed the sophistication of these early settlers, who may have lived as long ago as 10,500 BC, that they were able to excavate as far down as 16 feet in order to tap into the island’s water table.

The wells are among one of many sites confirming early human activity on Cyprus. Other sites of interest are remnants of hunter-gatherer society in Aetokremnos, and the beautifully preserved remains of a cat buried with its owner near Limassol.