Archaeologists Uncover New Evidence of Earthquake That ...

Earthquake House, Kourion, Cyprus, Dec. 14, 2021. (Diego Delso/Creative Commons)

A recent report from Cyprus’s Department of Antiquities reveals new discoveries related to a devastating earthquake that wiped out the ancient city of Kourion, one of the island’s most significant city-kingdoms. The report coincides with the conclusion of the 2024 excavation season for the Kourion Urban Space Project.

Archaeologists uncovered a housing complex believed to have belonged to a wealthy family. Within the ruins, they found the remains of four individuals who were still dressed and adorned with personal jewelry. Alongside these remains, the team discovered lamps, what might be a purse, and keys, suggesting the earthquake likely occurred either late at night or early in the morning before the city was fully awake.

The excavated site is located near another structure known as the Earthquake House, where a previous dig uncovered the remains of a family—a mother, father, and their infant—who perished together under a doorframe, seeking shelter.

Kourion was originally established by Mycenaeans in the 12th century BCE and was situated on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in southern Cyprus. The city was eventually destroyed by a series of earthquakes between 365 CE and 370 CE.

In one of the rooms, archaeologists also discovered an 80-centimeter statue of Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, depicted with a bow and quiver, accompanied by a dog. The statue, which once featured vibrant colors, shows signs of ancient repairs, including mended breaks in the bow using iron dowels and lead sheets.

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