in-cyprus 3 June 2025
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of far-reaching ancient trade networks at a Bronze Age cemetery in Cyprus, with excavations revealing artefacts from across the Mediterranean dating to the 14th century BC.
An international team led by Professor Peter Fischer of the University of Gothenburg excavated three chamber tombs at the Hala Sultan Tekke site near Larnaca between May and June 2024, the Department of Antiquities announced Tuesday.
The tombs contained numerous imported goods from the Aegean region, Egypt, Anatolia and the Levant, alongside locally produced items, indicating the Late Bronze Age harbour city’s role as a major trading hub from 1630-1150 BC.
“Chariot Kraters” featuring painted warriors and horses were among the high-quality Mycenaean pottery discovered. Neutron activation analyses revealed many ceramic vessels were imported from Berbati and Tiryns in the Peloponnesos, with others originating from Crete and Aegean islands.
Egyptian imports included ivory from elephants and hippos, calcite vessels, precious metals and scarabs. Researchers also found a rare locally-produced “Bird-faced” ceramic figurine of a seated female and two cylinder seals made from haematite and bronze showing incised divine and human motifs.
The tombs, designated ZZ, ABE and ABW, belonged to ruling-class families involved in copper export and international trade, according to the research team. Collapsed roofs sealed the burial chambers, preserving funeral rites evidence spanning several generations.
The 25-hectare Late Cypriot city was situated along Larnaca Salt Lake shores near the present-day mosque and international airport. Cyprus’s wealth during this period was based on copper production and extensive trade connections.
Professor Teresa Bürge supervised processing of finds at the Archaeological Museum of Larnaca District, while bioarchaeologists Professor Kirsi Lorentz and PhD student Yuko Miyauchi assisted with human remains analysis.
The excavation revealed burials ranging from newborns to adults over 40 years, indicating low average lifespans during the period. Complete excavation was not possible within available time, requiring protective measures for future campaigns.
Skeletal analysis continues to determine individual numbers, demographics and pathology patterns from the multi-generational burial site.
The research involved collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Cyprus Institute teams led by Professor Sorin Hermon, and the Cyprus Department of Antiquities.
