Larnaca District Archaeological Museum

In the heart of Larnaca, Cyprus, lies a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and historical wonders at the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum. This museum, inaugurated in 1969, offers visitors a fascinating journey through the historical development of the city of Kition and the wider Larnaca District. With its extensive collection of artifacts spanning from the Neolithic period to the Roman era, the museum provides an immersive experience into the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus.

The Entrance and Overview

As you step into the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, you are immediately greeted by a replica of the stele of King Sargon II, setting the tone for the historical adventure that awaits. The museum is controlled by the Department of Antiquities and is located conveniently close to significant archaeological sites, including the Kition-Bamboula and Kition-Kathari sites. For a modest entrance fee of €1.70, visitors can explore the museum and gain insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region.

Room I: The Dawn of Civilization

Room I of the museum is dedicated to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, showcasing artifacts from the earliest settlements in Cyprus. Here, you can marvel at bone tools, flint knives, and exquisite jewelry made from picrolite and dentalia, all excavated from the renowned site of Choirokoitia. One of the most intriguing exhibits is the remains of a Neolithic inhabitant, displayed in a contracted fetal position with a heavy millstone placed on the chest and head, reflecting ancient burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

The room also features stone vessels, idols, and comb ceramics, along with pottery shards and deer antlers, providing evidence of the fauna present in ancient Cyprus. From the Chalcolithic period, visitors can see a variety of vessels, including spouted bowls and cooking vessels, as well as a limestone figurine shaped in the form of a human. The pottery collection includes Red Polished I, II, III, and Black Polished vessels, offering a glimpse into the artistic and utilitarian creations of the time.

Room II: The Mycenaean Influence

Moving into Room II, the focus shifts to the Mycenaean period, highlighting the significant influence of Mycenaean culture on ancient Cyprus. The room is filled with pottery from this era, including jugs, stemmed kylikes, amphorae, bowls, and pyxides. These artifacts, excavated from sites such as Pyla, Tersefanou, Kalavasos, and Alykes, showcase the intricate designs and craftsmanship of Mycenaean pottery.

Among the notable exhibits are the Horns of Consecration, a faience scepter with the cartouche of Pharaoh Horemheb, and an opium pipe, illustrating the trade and cultural exchanges between Cyprus and other ancient civilizations. The wall-mounted texts provide valuable information about the various excavations and the historical context of the artifacts on display.

Room III: Figurines and Funerary Art

Room III is a captivating space dedicated to figurines and funerary art from the Cypro-Geometric and Cypro-Archaic periods to the early phases of the Classical period. The room features an array of terracotta figurines, including horse and rider figures, a charioteer, and a chariot racer. One of the standout pieces is a limestone head of a male wearing a diadem decorated with rosettes, dating back to 550-525 BC.

Visitors can also explore a funerary stele in the shape of a lotus flower and various scarabs, providing insights into the burial practices and artistic expressions of ancient Cypriots. The wall-mounted texts offer detailed explanations of the excavations at Larnaca-Mnemata, part of the necropolis of Kition, enriching the visitor's understanding of these fascinating artifacts.

Room IV: Classical to Roman Periods

The final room, Room IV, showcases artifacts from the Classical to Roman periods, highlighting the evolution of pottery and sculpture in ancient Cyprus. The room features imported Black-figure and Attic Red-figure pottery, including a bell-shaped crater with a symposium scene and an oinochoe with female musicians. Locally made vases from the Cypro-Classical period, such as hydria and amphoriskoros, are also on display, noted for their symmetrical shapes and intricate designs.

The room also houses ceramics from the Hellenistic period, including lagynoi and kantharos, as well as Roman-period vases and terracotta figurines. Notable exhibits include limestone sculptures from the Cypro-Classical period, a theatre mask from Kition, and a terracotta figure of the Tanagra type. The collection of coins, including a silver coin from Kition dating back to 449-425 BC, provides a glimpse into the economic history of ancient Cyprus.

Conclusion

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Its extensive collection of artifacts offers a comprehensive overview of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Cyprus, from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. The museum's well-curated exhibits and informative displays provide a fascinating journey through time, making it an unmissable attraction in the beautiful city of Larnaca.