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Larnaca - History |
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Cyprus's
history is marked by a dynamism of its own. The island is, if one disregards
some exceptions, too small to be able to maintain real independence. It
has therefore always been at the mercy of external power constellations.
It is possible to observe alternations taking place in long cycles.
Sometimes Cyprus was a border area and lay between power blocs; then its
strategic importance became significant. For long periods, however, it was
to be found within a power bloc, dependent on the development of a foreign
state. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, it experienced a lasting boom and
prosperity, under Ottoman rule it was left to decline slowly in keeping
with the agony of the empire as a whole. The island has never held a
really decisive role, militarily, culturally or economically. But it was
important: rich in mineral and other resources, in principle capable of
supporting itself, and with the tenacious way of life of an indigenous
culture Excavations continue at the
island's most ancient site, which reveal more secrets from the remotest
antiquity, pushing back the dating of the Khirokitia settlement by 1,000
years to 6800 BC instead of 5800 as originally thought. A neighbouring
contemporary settlement of the Neolithic period is also being excavated at
Kalavassos (Tenta). Other important sites, being
excavated in the Larnaca district, include late Bronze Age sites (1400-1
100 BC) at Ayios Dimitrios (Kalavassos), Maroni and Hala Sultan Tekke
(near the Salt Lake). Remains of the city of the first millenium BC are
being uncovered at the Lamaca (Bamboula) site, behind the Larnaca Museum. Larnaka is a town with strong
links to the past. In the heart of modern Larnaka one finds remains of the
ancient city Kition, reminiscent of its glorious days. Kition is the
birthplace of the philosopher Zenon, founder of the Stoic School.
Larnaka's links with Christianity go back to the very beginning, for the
town's first bishop was none other than Agios Lazaros, who chose to live
his 'second life' there after Jesus had raised him from the dead. A church
built in his name exists on the spot where his remains were said to be
found. The whole district of Larnaka has something special to offer the
visitor, including Choirokoitia, the oldest Neolithic settlement on the
island, Stavrovouni Monasteri and the famous Church of Angeloktisti. |
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