SETTLED AND SACRED LANDSCAPES OF CYPRUS
An Archaeological Intensive Survey Project of the University of Cyprus
SeSaLaC (Settled and Sacred Landscapes of Cyprus) comprises the first archaeological intensive survey project of the University of Cyprus on the island, directed by Athanasios Vionis (UCY), Giorgos Papantoniou (UCY) and Doria Nicolaou (University of Mainz). The areas under archaeological exploration is the region of Kofinou (Larnaca District), and the environs of the ancient site of Kourion (Limassol District). Our research project can be identified as one of the new-generation intensive surface survey programmes, adopting a more systematic methodology in landscape archaeology, and developing a more intensive approach to surface coverage, collection and recording of archaeological data and finds. |
The aims of our investigation are summarised as follows: 1. the identification of the relationship of the rural environment between the mountainous area of Troodos, the metaliferus regions and the coastline, and the role of river Xeros as a diachronic settlement pole, 2. the identification of the cultural identity of this region, laying in the zone between the kingdoms of Amathus, Kition and Idalion, 3. the study of the rural landscape in the period after Late Antiquity through the investigation of settlement activity and material culture, 4. the interpretation of the distribution of sacred sites and monuments and their relationship with the built environment, agricultural land, political formations and symbolic space. |