13th April 2024 by Scott
Located in the south-western corner of the Island of Cypress on the outskirts of the capital Paphos, is a must-see site for anyone interested in ancient history. Called “The Tombs of the Kings,” this World Heritage site which covers an area of 200,000 squares metres offers no end of surprises. While there was a settlement in the region dating back well beyond the Bronze Age, the impressive tombs which dot the site date from the end of the 4th century B.C.E. until the Roman era. The tombs were primarily created by Greek settlers to the island during the time of Alexander the Great. Following the death of Alexander in the year 323 B.C.E the island soon came under the control of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, something reflected in the impressive tombs in which the elite settlers were buried.
Walking around the site it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the necropolis. Interpretation of the site is difficult as erosion and the historical quarrying of stone has altered the site significantly.
The tombs come in various shapes and sizes, from simple tombs with rectangular burials pits, to grand tombs designed to impress and display the wealth and power of the family for which it was created. All are cut from the existing bedrock, the more impressive of these made to resemble houses, including architectural features such as lintels, elaborate carvings and small recesses for offerings or a candle.
Throughout it is possible to identify influences from both Macedonia and Egypt. Burials are reached by descending a staircase, and the larger tomb complexes were equipped with a well, water being an important component in Greek burial practices. Standing within the tombs, it is easy to imagine what it must have been like, family gathered around making offerings and paying respect to their loved ones.
The “Tombs of the Kings” is the perfect place to begin an historical journey across Cypress. It represents an important page in the story of Greek influence across the Mediterranean, the links with Egypt in the wake of the conquests of Alexander the Great, and speaks volumes of a region prospering through trade and urban development.
Standing on top of one of the tombs and looking south it is easy to imagine ships leaving the ancient port city of Nea for Alexandria and the exotic wonders of ancient Egypt.
