Remnants of an ancient port and trading city have been unearthed in southern Cyprus during excavations led by Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, as reported by the Cypriot Department of Antiquities and covered by AFP.
“The lakeside city near Larnaca, estimated to cover at least 25 hectares, dates back to the late Bronze Age and flourished between 1600 and 1100 BCE. The city thrived due to copper production and trade,” stated Georgos Georgiou, Head of the Cypriot Department of Antiquities.
According to him, findings from the excavation point towards the city’s status as a trading hub, and the graves discovered at the site rank among the most opulent ones found in the Mediterranean.
“In two tombs, we discovered more than 500 intact objects,” announced Peter Fischer, Archaeology Professor and expedition leader from the University of Gothenburg.
The report adds that half of the items were imported from Egypt, Afghanistan, and India.
“Many of the artifacts consist of precious metals, gemstones, ivory, and high-quality ceramics,” concluded the Swedish archaeological team.