Tombs of the Kings, Paphos (must see)

The Tombs of the Kings constitute a substantial necropolis located approximately two kilometers north of Paphos harbor in Cyprus. This significant archaeological site gained recognition when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, alongside Paphos and Kouklia.

The Tombs of the Kings consist of subterranean tombs, many of which trace their origins back to the 4th century BC. These remarkable tombs are intricately carved into solid rock and are believed to have served as the final resting places for prominent Paphitic aristocrats and high-ranking officials until the third century AD. It's essential to clarify that despite the name, no actual kings were interred at this site. The designation of "Tombs of the Kings" reflects the grandeur and magnificence of these burial sites, rather than the occupants.

Many of the tombs exhibit features such as Doric columns and walls adorned with frescoes, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the time. Ongoing archaeological excavations at the site continue to reveal insights into the ancient past. These tombs were hewn directly from the native rock, often designed to resemble the dwellings of the living.

Historical records suggest that the tombs were known and sporadically explored for centuries, with the first modern account authored by Richard Pockocke in 1783. Nearly a century later, in 1870, Luigi Palma di Cesnola, the Italian-born American consul to Cyprus, led the first archaeological excavations at the site. It wasn't until 1915 that the first supervised archaeological excavations were conducted under the guidance of Menelaos Markides, who served as the curator of the Cyprus Museum.

Systematic and comprehensive excavations occurred in the late 1970s and the 1980s. The Tombs of the Kings hold particular historical significance, thanks in part to the local custom in Paphos of including Rhodian amphorae as offerings in burials. These amphorae bear manufacturing stamps on their handles, which not only provide dating information but also offer insights into the other materials found within the same burial.

Over time, much of the knowledge related to these tombs has been lost. Several factors contributed to this loss, including the assumption that many of the tombs originally contained valuable grave goods, despite few of these items being discovered by official archaeological missions. Grave robbers from the past are suspected to be responsible for this loss. Additionally, the proximity of the tombs to the seaside hindered the preservation of the buried remains. Nonetheless, the historical significance of the Tombs of the Kings remains well-established among experts and locals alike, making it a captivating and valuable archaeological site.