Scientists from the University of Leicester have actually successfully transferred over forty lost historical websites in Cyprus, varying from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. This discovery, achieved through a comprehensive study in the Dhekelia location, enhances the understanding of Cyprus abundant historical heritage and highlights the worth of methodical historical efforts and collaboration in preserving these ancient sites. Slab quarrying near Xylophagou anchorage. Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterUniversity of Leicester Archaeological Services rediscovers 46 sites at the Eastern Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia, CyprusScientists from the University of Leicester, teaming up with the Ministry of Defence, have successfully found over forty historical sites in Cyprus, some of which may date back to the Bronze Age, that were formerly thought about lost to history.A small team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, moneyed by the DIO Overseas Stewardship Project, undertook a walkover survey– an organized surveying and recording of noticeable archaeological remains– of the Eastern Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia (ESBA) on the south coast of the island. The work, certified by Cyprus Department of Antiquities in Nicosia, is to inform site management by the DIO, which is the custodian of the UK and overseas Defence estate.Dhekelia is about 30km south-east of Nicosia, and 80km north-east of the Western Sovereign Base Area (WSBA) at Akrotiri where the University of Leicester has been working considering that 2015. The job of the walkover was to transfer around 60 possible historical sites that had been taped in the early 1960s previous to the development of the garrison within the Dhekelia base, and the setting out of the Kingsfield Airstrip at the western end of the area.Adjacent grinding stone removals at Ormideia leaving a clover leaf shape. Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterMethodology and DiscoveriesIn preparation of the survey a Geographic Information System (GIS) record was compiled that included all the known details, and from that coordinate points for the possible sites were exported to standard handheld GPS systems. Archaeologists then browsed and visited each site for the proof that had been previously recorded. When successfully discovered, each site would then be photographed, GPS located, and tape-recorded on pro forma sheets.In total, 51 websites including 5 historical structures lay. Some records survived for 47 of the websites, however an additional four were understood just from labels on a 1:25,000 scale plan. Although the dating of the majority of the sites is currently unknown, they are most likely to cover from the Bronze Age which began c. 2500 BC to the Byzantine period which ended in the 12th Century Advertisement, and to include sites from the Hellenistic period (312– 58 BC) and Roman durations (58 BC– 395 ADVERTISEMENT). Area of websites visited by archaeologists from University of Leicester Archaeological Services. Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterParticular highlights included three coastal quarries where stone was being removed low spits running out into the sea. One quarry had a little ramp that appeared like it was utilized for filling slabs of quarried rock into boats connected in deep water alongside, and another had dozens of really clear circular grinding stone eliminations which, where instantly adjacent to each other, left distinct clover leaf shapes in the bedrock.Large locations of rock-cut burial place crossed numerous hectares in one part of the inland plateau. Many of these burial places were in an extremely bad state and some bore clear signs of looting in the form of nearby mounds of earth. Numerous tombs have been used as convenient locations for fly tipping. One burial place, part of a significant cemetery surrounding an abbey to the west of Xylotymbou village was being utilized for caging cats.Challenges and SuccessesMatt Beamish from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, who led the study, stated: “Our GIS and study methods had worked well when utilized for a similar survey of the Akrotiri peninsula in 2019. A lot of the sites we were preparing to study had actually been last went to over 20 years ago, and in many instances had actually been reported as no longer existing or being unfindable. On reflection this had more to do with insufficient mapping, absence of preparation, and absence of satellite place technologies: we found that numerous of the websites could be re-found with a little bit of persistence.”There were certainly problems with a few of the archive info which was incomplete and had been erroneously redrawn at some stage in the past. Some websites had actually plainly been lost to the subsequent development of roads and buildings.”One little part of the renowned Hellenistic burial place complex near Paphos, Tomb of the Kings– a World Heritage Site. Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterThe Dhekelia Sovereign base is around 20km large and 7km deep and sits on the east side of Larnaca Bay. The topography is diverse consisting of a flat seaside strip conference high limestone cliffs and hills, with a broadly flat plateau on the interior which includes more areas of rocky outcrop and is bisected by rivers which are normally dry beds under growing. The coastal strip and plateau include areas of farming and horticulture, and areas of olive and citrus grove and scrub. In the north of the location, there are large dairy and animals farms.Cyprus position on Mediterranean sea paths has actually led to a varied and abundant cultural heritage, and it is renowned for the preservation of lots of archaeological sites from the Bronze Age, Hellenistic/Iron Age, Roman, and Byzantine or middle ages durations. At the western end of the Dhekelia location, this occupation is represented in a substantial archaeological landscape consisting of a big Bronze Age-defended hilltop settlement at Kokkinokremnos and a surrounding Iron Age hillfort at Vikla, both sitting above the Roman harbor town of Koutsopetria: all these secured websites undergo current research study excavations. The Roman harbor is all now infilled, possibly originating from a devastating tsunami event.Implications for Heritage ManagementMuch of the known archaeology throughout Dhekelia is funerary, and this mainly consists of rock-cut tombs, some of which were built into the limestone caves (normally Hellenistic/Iron Age), and rock-cut shaft tombs (generally Byzantine/Roman-Medieval). Matt Beamish added: “The survey was really successful with the identification of considerable historical areas. We understand that numerous more historical sites will exist which are not obvious to the naked eye. Much of the area has actually seen no methodical archaeological survey, and the application of remote sensing or aerial study maybe utilizing LiDAR would make it possible for a wider image of previous human activity to be drawn. The info will make it possible for the DIO to much better manage the archaeological websites within the Sovereign Base Administration Area, and allow a broader understanding of Dhekelias historical heritage.”ULAS Archaeologist Matt Beamish recording a probable Byzantine period tomb near Xylotymbou. Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterAlex Sotheran, Archaeology Advisor, DIO, applauded the survey and the results: “The work performed by Matt and the team has actually improved our understanding and understanding of the archaeology across the Dhekelia location and will allow for an enhanced system of management of these important and crucial heritage assets going forward.”David Reynolds, Environmental Advisor (Cyprus), DIO, added: “Along with the University of Leicester group, we want to thank the Republic of Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Sovereign Base Area Office (Dhekelia) for all their support and guidance in making this exceptionally important piece of work occur.”The data produced throughout the study has actually been entered into DIOs Historic Monuments, buildings and websites Record, which in turn is crucial for assisting to safeguard the historical environment throughout the Ministry of Defences UK and abroad estate.Additionally, the historical data has actually been shared with the Republic of Cyprus Department of Antiquities (DoA) as part of a Protocol for Collaboration in between British Forces Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus DoA. The procedure will make sure that possible effects on archaeology will be actively considered along with military training activities and facilities work throughout the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. It also sets out procedures for managing any historical stays exposed during building and construction jobs.
Credit: ULAS, University of LeicesterUniversity of Leicester Archaeological Services finds 46 sites at the Eastern Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia, CyprusScientists from the University of Leicester, teaming up with the Ministry of Defence, have actually successfully discovered over forty historical sites in Cyprus, some of which might date back to the Bronze Age, that were previously thought about lost to history.A little group of archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, funded by the DIO Overseas Stewardship Project, undertook a walkover survey– an organized surveying and recording of noticeable historical remains– of the Eastern Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia (ESBA) on the south coast of the island. When effectively discovered, each website would then be photographed, GPS located, and recorded on pro forma sheets.In total, 51 websites consisting of 5 historical buildings were located. The dating of many of the websites is currently unknown, they are likely to cover from the Bronze Age which started c. 2500 BC to the Byzantine duration which ended in the 12th Century AD, and to consist of sites from the Hellenistic period (312– 58 BC) and Roman durations (58 BC– 395 AD). At the western end of the Dhekelia location, this profession is represented in a substantial historical landscape comprising a large Bronze Age-defended hill settlement at Kokkinokremnos and a surrounding Iron Age hillfort at Vikla, both sitting above the Roman harbor town of Koutsopetria: all these secured sites are subject to current research study excavations. The details will allow the DIO to better handle the archaeological sites within the Sovereign Base Administration Area, and permit a larger understanding of Dhekelias archaeological heritage.