2,300-Year-Old Fortifications Unearthed in Cyprus

News October 8, 2019

(Courtesy Brandon R. Olson/Pyla-Koutsopetria Archaeological Project)
SHARE:
Cyprus Vigla Fortifications
(Courtesy Brandon R. Olson/Pyla-Koutsopetria Archaeological Project)

NICOSIA, CYPRUS—In-Cyprus reports that a previously unknown fortification dating to the early Hellenistic period has been discovered at the site of Pyla-Vigla on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. The well-defended settlement is situated on a steep plateau overlooking Larnaca Bay and the coastal road that connected the cities of Kition and Salamis. Archaeologists led by Brandon R. Olson of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Tom Landvatter of Reed College, R. Scott Moore of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and education director Justin Stephens uncovered extensive mudbrick and fieldstone fortifications, projectile points, iron weapons, and lead sling bullets, which were dated to the late fourth and early third centuries B.C. on the basis of the architectural style of the fortifications and the types of coins and pottery uncovered at the site. To read about the elaborate grave goods of an aristocratic family in Classical Cyprus, go to "Living the Good Afterlife."

  • Features September/October 2019

    Minaret in the Mountains

    Excavations near a 12th-century tower reveal the summer capital of a forgotten Islamic empire

    Read Article
    (Courtesy Minaret of Jam Archaeological Project)
  • Letter from Lake George September/October 2019

    Exploring the Great Warpath

    Evidence from forts, hospitals, and taverns in upstate New York is illuminating the lives of thousands of British soldiers during the French and Indian War

    Read Article
    (Jerry Trudell the Skys the Limit/Getty Images)
  • Artifacts September/October 2019

    Roman Coin

    Read Article
    (Courtesy MOLA Headland)
  • Digs & Discoveries September/October 2019

    The Case for Clotilda

    Read Article
    (Courtesy SEARCH inc)