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Ancient tomb found near Larnaca

11 January 2015 / 22:01:55  GRReporter
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The excavations of the French archaeological mission in the area of Pervolia near Larnaca, Cyprus, have made important finds. This was announced by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. The excavations were carried out in October 2014 under the supervision of Dr. Sabin Fourier, and their main purpose was to unearth an ancient tomb, partially explored in 2013.

The tomb was not raided. It consists of a large corridor, and a burial chamber of the same shape and dimensions as the smaller tombs from the classical period. 17 people were buried in the chamber. Most funerals are first-time, but a large amphora of two-colour painted ceramics contained bones from second-time burials. The amphora held the bones of two people, a 20 year-old adult and a child of 8-10.

According to the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the pottery found in the chamber and the corridor dates back to the archaic period of Cyprus (8-7 century BC). Exquisite high quality Phoenician vessels have also been found including amphorae, two-colour jugs and red-figure ceramics, Samaria ware type plates, etc.

Two corridors were found in the western part of the tomb, which belonged to two unfinished tombs. When they were embedded in the rock by the late 6th century BC, people of the time seemed to have forgotten about the existence of the large archaic tomb.

Another archaic tomb was found in the northwest wing of the excavations. Only the corridor has been partially unearthed. The original embankment on the east side has been preserved. But there is a large pit in the tomb’s western part. As is evident from the found materials, the tomb had been plundered during antiquity.

During this year's season of excavations, niches were found carved into the walls of the corridors. As usual, they contain small vessels and copper jewellery. Two unusual niches were found in the southern part of the digs. They were not cut into both sides of the corridor, but into the rock surface, without any clear link to a particular grave. They contain small vessels from unadorned ceramics dating back to the classical period of Cyprus (4th century BC).

Tags: archaeological excavations Larnaca tomb archaic period
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