Thirty-five years after completing excavations at the Tombs of the Kings, in Paphos, the Department of Antiquities said in a press release on Wednesday that the first volume of the final publication for the period 1977-1981 is now ready for release. The volume consists of more than 300 pages. It includes a general history of the site, a detailed description of the tombs featuring a peristyle atrium, and an in-depth presentation of the systematic excavations conducted by the Department.
The Department of Antiquities noted that ”significant attention is given to the unique burial complex of Tomb 8, which has generated considerable scholarly debate over its potential use as the burial site of the last king of Cyprus, Ptolemy, due to its distinctive architecture. Additionally, the volume proposes a comprehensive restoration study in line with recommendations from Professor Charalambos Bouras, who approved the initial partial restoration study,” it added.
The volume features two chapters specifically dedicated to the architecture of Tomb 8, with the final chapter focusing on the proposed restoration of its built portico, which is topped by a pediment.
The Tombs of the Kings
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Excavations undertaken by the Department of Antiquities under the author’s direction between 1977 and 1990 at the north necropolis of Paphos have opened a window into the hitherto unknown history of Hellenistic Paphos. The excavations were supplemented by investigations of the city walls, particularly the NW gate, to establish the connection between the city and the necropolis. Several sites within the city walls also became the focus of investigation regarding the implementation of the Master Plan to create the Pafos Archaeological Park.
As a result of 14 seasons of excavation, a significant part of the necropolis, including five monumental hypogea with peristyle atria and one tumulus, was investigated, and some have been partially restored. The impressive funerary monuments assigned to the Ptolemies are mostly found in Alexandria and Macedonia; in fact, they represent a blend of the two regions.
”The study of its architectural complexity and the variety of finds enrich the history of Paphos. The urban development of Paphos, the interaction of the necropolis with the city and its role in the history of Cypriot architecture in general are considered in this publication. The impressive architecture recovered at the site became the object of speculative interpretations, leaving the excavator no choice but to respond to those unsupported conclusions,” the press release said.
A monument of exceptional architecture
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Tomb 8 was first excavated in 1979 and immediately stood out for its monumental scale and distinctive design. Carved directly into the bedrock, the complex is organised around an open courtyard with four symmetrical wings and a prominent central rock-cut cube. Access to the tomb is provided through a monumental, stepped dromos, emphasising the monument’s grandeur and ceremonial character.
”Excavations revealed eighteen burials, along with multiple chambers, loculi, and pit graves. Many of the finds were exceptionally well preserved, offering valuable evidence of funerary practices, including the use of unguentaria, gold myrtle leaves, and amphorae from Rhodes, which help date the phases of use and illustrate the trade networks of the time,” the Department of Antiquities said.
One particularly notable discovery was a lead ash urn, indicating cremation – a practice rare in Cypriot contexts but well attested in the Macedonian world. This finding suggests cultural connections extending beyond the island and reflects the diverse influences present in Hellenistic Cyprus.
Multicultural influences and ritual practices
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”The architecture of Tomb 8 combines Greek, Egyptian, and Macedonian elements, reflecting the multicultural character of the Hellenistic Mediterranean. The central cube housed an elaborately constructed burial chamber distinguished by a Doric façade, strongly indicating that it was intended for an individual of high social or political status,” the press release noted.
An unusual and significant feature of the monument is the presence of a well in the design of the central structure. Accessed through a stepped alcove and equipped with a lighting shaft, the well may have been associated with ritual purification practices, similar to those documented in Alexandrian funerary monuments.
”Evidence from the burials indicates that the tomb remained in use over a long period, possibly across several generations. The diversity of burial methods-including the burial of an infant within a terracotta pipe-illustrates the variety of funerary customs practiced in the necropolis and the evolving nature of ritual traditions,” the Department of Antiquities said.
Possible royal associations
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Among the most compelling elements supporting the significance of Tomb 8 is the discovery of two sculpted limestone falcons flanking the principal burial chambers. The falcon was closely associated with the Egyptian god Horus and symbolised royal authority, suggesting a possible connection between the tomb and the Ptolemaic administration, or even members of the royal household.
Cyprus played a crucial strategic and political role within the Ptolemaic kingdom, particularly during the late Hellenistic period. The island’s last Ptolemaic ruler, Ptolemy of Cyprus, was deposed by the Romans in 58 BC, marking a turning point in the island’s history. The author proposes that Tomb 8 may have been designed for a person of comparable rank or for the last king, Ptolemy of Cyprus (80-56 BC).
An enduring landmark of Cypriot heritage
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”Today, Tomb 8 is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological monuments in Cyprus. Its unique architecture, potential royal connections, and rich archaeological record provide invaluable insights into burial practices, cultural interaction, and the broader history of the Hellenistic Mediterranean,” the press release concluded.