AKROTIRI, CYPRUS—Members of the Cyprus Antiquities Department and injured servicemen and women, working through Britain’s Operation Nightingale, have been excavating a seventh-century basilica. The large building was decorated with mosaics, marble, gold leaf, and bronze statues. “This literally helps us understand and re-write the history of the seven century in Cyprus. We estimate that after its construction, it had a very short life-span of approximately 30 years before it was abandoned and destroyed. This was a very important place and house the relics of some very important people,” explained Eleni Procopiou of the Cyprus Antiquities Department.
Christian Basilica Excavated in Cyprus
News November 25, 2013
Recommended Articles
Artifacts July/August 2025
Maya Ceramic Figurine

Off the Grid July/August 2025
Vichama, Peru

Digs & Discoveries July/August 2025
Bound for Heaven

Digs & Discoveries July/August 2025
Saints Alive

-
Features September/October 2013
Tomb of the Vulture Lord
A king’s burial reveals a pivotal moment in Maya history
(© Kenneth Garrett) -
Letter from Norway September/October 2013
The Big Melt
The race to find, and save, ancient artifacts emerging from glaciers and ice patches in a warming world
Courtesy Oppland County Council, Photo: Johan Wildhagen/Palookaville -
Artifacts September/October 2013
Roman Writing Tablet
A tablet bearing a birthday party invite includes the earliest Latin script penned by a woman
(© The Trustees of the British Museum/Art Resource, NY) -
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2013
No Changeups on the Savannah
(Private Collection/J.T. Vintage/The Bridgeman Art Library, Werner Forman/Art Resource, NY, Pat Benic/Copyright Bettmann/Corbis/AP Images)