A 4,000-Year-Old Temple and a Dark Mystery Unearthed in Cyprus by Italian Archaeologists

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An Italian archaeological mission, the Erimi Archaeological Project of the University of Siena, has uncovered a 4,000-year-old temple in Cyprus – the oldest sacred space ever discovered on the island. The discovery, made in collaboration with the Cypriot Department of Antiquities and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a sophisticated community of artisans who thrived millennia ago.

Led by archaeologist Luca Bombardieri for the past fifteen years, the excavation reveals a temple-like structure nestled within a large workshop complex. This “temple before the temple,” as Bombardieri describes it, sheds light on the central role of religion in the lives of these ancient people. The complex, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1600 BC), sprawled over 1000 square meters and housed workshops, warehouses, and dyeing vats. Located on a hilltop near present-day Limassol, the site offered optimal conditions for their craft, with ample ventilation, fresh water sources, and readily available dye plants.

The temple itself, accessed through the bustling work areas, housed a striking two-meter-high monolith, a brazier, and a large amphora – elements suggesting ritual practices. Bombardieri speculates that the community’s leaders, likely those overseeing production, might have also served as spiritual guides.

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But the excavation uncovered more than just ancient industry and ritual. A chilling discovery adds a layer of mystery to the site: the remains of a young woman, brutally murdered and walled up inside her home. Her skull bore the marks of a fatal blow, likely from a spear or stone, and a heavy stone rested upon her chest. The absence of grave goods and the sealed doorway suggest a deliberate act of separation, perhaps, as Bombardieri hypothesizes, linked to societal anxieties around motherhood.

This case echoes other similar discoveries across Cyprus from the same era, where young women met violent ends and were denied proper burials. This pattern raises unsettling questions about the social dynamics and treatment of women during this period.

The Erimi settlement, renowned for its vibrant red textiles, appears to have flourished, potentially evolving into a proto-city. However, its story ends abruptly. The village was abandoned, the workshops sealed with tools and materials still inside, including the temple with its imposing monolith. A fire, perhaps set by the departing inhabitants, caused the roof to collapse, paradoxically preserving the site for millennia.

The Erimi Archaeological Project continues to unravel the secrets of this remarkable community. Future excavations may reveal further insights into the lives, beliefs, and ultimately, the fate of these ancient artisans, including the mystery of the murdered girl and the possible social forces that led to her tragic end.

Source https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cultura/2024/07/06/scoperta-italiana-a-cipro-un-tempio-di-4mila-anni-fa_aff32dfc-3961-41e8-8b10-aeeb252dd55c.html.