Larnaca:The French archaeological mission's recent excavation at Kition-Bamboula focused on Sondage 11, providing significant insights into the chronological sequence of occupational levels in the area.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the Department of Antiquities announced that the latest campaign has refined the understanding of these occupational levels. Initially, six phases were identified, but now subphases within them have been determined. The earliest phase, Phase I, dates back to the Cypro-Archaic period (8th-7th century BCE), followed by Phase II, marked by squatting or light reoccupation for artisanal purposes, dating to the end of the Cypro-Archaic II and beginning of the Cypro-Classical period (end of the 6th-beginning of the 5th century BCE).

Phases III to V reflect significant alterations during the Classical period (5th-4th century BCE), including quarrying for stone blocks and dumping of refuse, such as a deposit of about 100 Phoenician ostraca. This activity significantly altered earlier remains, with the earliest phase possibly dating further back to the Cypro-Geometric III period, now exposed across the trench's surface.

The central trench, excavated in 2024 and 2025, indicates the final occupation phase before major digging and filling operations took place in the Classical period. At least four successive layers, including three resurfaced floor levels, have been identified, with deposits of ash, lime, and hearth waste.

In the northern and eastern trench parts, levels from the Cypro-Archaic I period (8th-7th century BCE) were uncovered, revealing new walls, such as Wall 988, which shows two phases of use. Large containers found last year are associated with the earlier phase of this wall.

The forthcoming excavations aim to further clarify the chronological sequence of the structures in the eastern part of the trench and expand the understanding of Phase I to better ascertain its nature and function.