Kouklia: A small, fragmentary inscription in the Cypriot syllabary, embedded in a wall from the Cypro-Archaic period, was discovered during recent excavations at the Kouklia-Marchello site. This significant find, located in secondary use, was announced by Cyprus’ Department of Antiquities in a press release, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Department of History and Archaeology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Department of Antiquities announced the conclusion of the fourth excavation season for 2024 at the Kouklia-Marchello site. This excavation, funded by NKUA, was conducted by a dedicated team of 12 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students under the leadership of Professor Konstantinos Kopanias. The site has been the focus of several archaeological missions, including those by British (1950-55) and Swiss-German teams (1966-73, 1985, 1992-95), as well as the University of Cyprus (2006-08). These investigations previously unc
overed a monumental 168-meter-long wall, although its excavation remains incomplete, with unresolved questions about the dating and interpretation of its construction phases.
The NKUA’s prior excavation seasons have provided crucial evidence, confirming an earlier phase of the wall dating back to the Late Cypriot IIC period (13th century BC). However, challenges remain in accurately dating the subsequent construction phases. During the 2024 season, particular focus was placed on a tunnel cutting through the wall, facilitating a deeper understanding of the stratigraphy and dating of the wall’s later phases. The new evidence supports F. Maier’s hypothesis that the wall was repaired during the Cypro-Archaic and Cypro-Classical periods, though the theory that the tunnels were built during the Persian siege of Palaepaphos in 499/498 BC was not supported. The purpose of these tunnels remains mysterious, with hopes for future discoveries to provide clarity.
Additionally, the 2024 excavation centered on a monument
near the wall, initially believed to be part of the fortifications. However, recent findings suggest it had a cultic function, not connected to the wall. This structure, dating back to the Late Cypriot III period (12th-11th century BC), fell out of use during the Cypro-Geometric period and was later repaired in the Cypro-Archaic period. In 2023, engravings of two ships were found on this structure, with another unfinished ship depiction discovered in 2024.
A notable discovery from this year’s excavation was the small, fragmentary inscription in the Cypriot syllabary, embedded in a Cypro-Archaic period wall. The analysis of this inscription is highly anticipated.
According to the press release, the NKUA excavation is conducted in collaboration with the Palaepaphos Urban Landscape Project (PULP) of the University of Cyprus, led by Professor Maria Iacovou. This partnership enhances the preservation and scientific promotion of the Palaepaphos region’s archaeological heritage. The NKUA plans to continue its miss
ion in 2025, extending gratitude to the Kouklia community for their hospitality towards the students.