**PEYIA, CYPRUS** – A recent six-week excavation season in Peyia has brought to light compelling evidence of a significant Byzantine harbour dating back to the 6th century AD, a period under the reign of Emperor Justinian. Spearheaded by the Antiquities Department of Cyprus in collaboration with New York University (NYU) and other esteemed academic institutions, the project has unearthed a wealth of artefacts, most notably over 700 kilograms of fragmented Late Roman amphorae, offering unprecedented insights into the region's past as a crucial nexus for maritime trade and religious construction.
The discovery centres on the ancient port of Peyia, a location that archaeologists believe played a pivotal role in facilitating the delivery of marble for the construction of basilicas at nearby Cape Drepano. The sheer scale of the recovered amphorae fragments underscores the substantial logistical operations undertaken during this era. These vessels, primarily originating from the 6th century AD, are not merely utilitarian containers; their surfaces bear 68 inscribed markings, known as *dipinti*, rendered in red ink. These inscriptions are proving to be invaluable for scholars seeking to decipher the intricacies of trade routes, administrative practices, and the economic landscape of Late Antiquity. Researchers are meticulously cataloguing these fragments, with Professor Stella Demesticha of the University of Cyprus leading this crucial aspect of the research.
Beyond the harbour's immediate vicinity, the excavation team also conducted extensive surface surveys at the Peyia necropolis, a sprawling burial ground also identified by local names such as Agios Georgios and Maniki. This area has been a focus of archaeological interest for some time, building upon the significant discovery of a Hellenistic tomb in 2018. The ongoing investigation of this tomb reveals a prolonged period of use, spanning from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, suggesting a continuous cultural and societal presence in the locale over many centuries.
The interdisciplinary nature of the excavation program is a testament to its comprehensive approach. Specialists from institutions including the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Institute, and even the University of Warsaw, represented by Professor Jolanta Mlynarczyk who is examining tomb pottery, are contributing their expertise. Furthermore, Dr. Rebecca Gerdes of Cornell University is undertaking the analysis of Roman cooking vessels, employing organic residue analysis to illuminate ancient dietary habits and potential funerary or banquet practices. Advanced techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence for metal artifact analysis, are also being employed, alongside the study of human skeletal remains and animal bones, to paint a more complete picture of life in antiquity.
The implications of these discoveries are far-reaching. The identification of substantial harbour infrastructure directly linked to Emperor Justinian's ambitious building projects provides concrete evidence of the Byzantine Empire's strategic interests in Cyprus. The inscribed amphorae, sourced from diverse regions including Cilicia, Palestine, and Gaza, offer a tangible record of the extensive trade networks that sustained these endeavours. The ongoing analysis promises to refine our understanding of the logistical challenges and achievements involved in levelling the coastal cliff to accommodate such port facilities, and how these operations directly contributed to the construction of monumental religious structures. As research progresses, the secrets held within these ancient stones and ceramic fragments are poised to significantly enrich our comprehension of Cyprus's vital role as a maritime and religious centre in the ancient world.