Evidence of Ancient Maritime Links Between Paphos and Palestine Discovered in Peyia Excavations

During archaeological digs on Cyprus, artifacts have been uncovered that confirm the existence of ancient maritime connections between Paphos and Palestine. These unique finds were discovered in Peyia, located between the northern and southern parts of the island.

According to the Department of Antiquities, the 2024 excavations were conducted at the Maniki harbor and on the island of Yeronissos, while additional research took place at the Meletis necropolis near Ayios Georgios in Peyia.

A team of researchers from New York University identified significant maritime links between Cape Drepanum in Paphos and southern Palestine during the 6th century AD. This finding is supported by the discovery of late Roman amphorae, which had been discarded near the water's edge.

Excavations in two small trenches at the top of Yeronissos revealed artifacts from the later period of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

In total, around 3.5 kilometers of coastline at Cape Drepanum were explored and documented, extending from the southern sea caves to the Aspros River in the north. The team also studied eight stone anchors recovered from the sea floor in 2019 and 2022, as well as amphorae that underwent desalination at the Larnaca Museum.

Additionally, the researchers are undertaking a comprehensive digitization project of all site plans and excavation trenches, covering both terrestrial and underwater investigations.