Remains of 3,000 year old Temple found in Karpaz, north Cyprus

The remains of a 3,000 year old Phoenician temple have been discovered in Karpaz, north Cyprus. 

The temple lies to the south of the village of Çayırova on the Karpaz peninsula, overlooking the sea and forests.

Archaeological excavations carried out by the Famagusta Regional Branch of the Department of Antiquities and Relics began in November 2017. This work revealed large base stones, an alter and a number of artefacts including small perfume bottles, an incense bowl, small water jugs and other votive offerings, which were found inside the temple.

The floor is made of crushed Gypsum and has been damaged by attempts to illegally excavate the ruins.

Archaeologist on the dig Hasan Tekel, said that the name of the region where the temple belongs is known as “Knidos”, but he noted that the name of Simmakos, the “Triumph Captain of the Knidos”, was written as the “tomb of Knidos”.

Additionally, he said that in 2008, the Famagusta Antiquities department carried out an excavation of an ancient grave site on the southern shores of Karpaz, which had on the grave stones, a relief of Astarte from the Phoenician period. Tekel said that the tomb was found to be 10 km north east of the temple.

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