The Best Preserved Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Ruins In Cyprus
Below follow the best preserved ancient sites found in Cyprus, each will shortly be introduced. For a visual overview of all Roman ruins in Cyprus please consult our sites map above.
For an introduction to the maps click here.
| Name | Type | Google Maps Rating | # Of Google Maps Ratings | Weighted Average Score | View On Google Maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cyprus Museum | Roman / ancient history museums | 4.6 | 500-5000 | 9.6 | View on Map |
| Salamis Forest | Roman cities / areas | 4.5 | 500-5000 | 9.5 | View on Map |
| Archaeological Site of Amathous | Roman cities / areas | 4.4 | 500-5000 | 9.4 | View on Map |
| Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos | Roman cities / areas | 4.6 | 10000+ | 7.6 | View on Map |
| Archaeological Museum of the Lemesos (Limassol) District | Roman / ancient history museums | 4.6 | 1-500 | 7.6 | View on Map |
| Παλιό υδραγωγείο Λευκωσίας – Nicosia old aqueduct | Roman aqueducts and water supply | 4.1 | 1-500 | 7.1 | View on Map |
Greek influence in Cyprus began long before Roman rule. The Persian Empire controlled Cyprus before Alexander the Great’s conquests. The Cypriot kingdoms served as vassals to Persia and provided ships and resources. Alexander’s defeat of Persia shifted the balance of power entirely. Recognizing his growing dominance, Cyprus pledged loyalty to Alexander. The kings sought to assert their autonomy and offered naval support. For example, Cypriot engineers and fleets played a crucial role during the Siege of Tyre.
Alexander’s approach to Cyprus combined liberation and control. He freed the island from Persian dominance but centralized power under his empire. Local coinage was replaced with Alexander’s currency. The kings maintained certain freedoms. However, his authority remained absolute. This balance allowed for some local governance while affirming his imperial dominance.
Following Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Cyprus came under Ptolemaic rule and aligned closely with Egypt. The Ptolemies imposed their authority while promoting Greek cultural assimilation. During this era the island adopted the Greek alphabet. Older local languages and scripts disappeared. Cities like Arsinoe were founded, and Cyprus became a hub of Greek culture. The philosopher Zeno of Citium, a native of Kition, founded the Stoic school of thought.
Cyprus’s resources, especially timber and copper, were heavily exploited under Ptolemaic rule. The island became a key commercial link between Egypt and other Mediterranean centers. However, this period was marked by external and internal conflicts. Power struggles among Alexander’s successors drew Cyprus into wars. Control of the island alternated between Ptolemaic and Antigonid rulers. Alliances also shifted among local kingdoms.
By 58 BCE, Cyprus became a Roman province. This marked the start of a new era. Rome’s annexation was politically motivated and driven by personal vendettas and strategic interests. Cato the Younger oversaw the island’s integration. He ensured fair governance and protected against exploitation. During the Roman era, Cyprus experienced relative peace under the Pax Romana. Uprisings were rare but notable, such as the Jewish revolt in 115 CE.
Christianity made significant inroads in Cyprus during Roman rule. The apostles Paul, Barnabas, and Mark introduced the faith. They converted the Roman governor Sergius Paulus. This marked Cyprus as the first territory governed by a Christian leader. Early Christian traditions flourished. Cypriot bishops participated in major ecclesiastical councils.
The island became a key producer and exporter of olive oil during the Roman period. Olive oil was vital for food, lamps, and cosmetics. Trade networks extended across the eastern Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence of oil presses and amphorae underscores Cyprus’s role in this trade.
Earthquakes and natural disasters periodically disrupted life on the island. Salamis, a major city, suffered significant destruction in the early 4th century. Despite these challenges, the island maintained its importance as a cultural and economic hub in the ancient Mediterranean.
Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins in Cyprus:
1: Salamis Ancient City
Salamis, an ancient city on Cyprus’s eastern coast, dates back to the late Bronze Age, around 1100 BC. The city developed as a maritime and trading center, especially under Persian rule in the 6th century BC. Its wealth and influence peaked during the Roman era when it became a commercial centre. Though Paphos was the island’s capital, Salamis outshone it in trade and importance. Excavations reveal impressive ruins from this period, including theatres, baths, and a gymnasium.
Natural disasters often disrupted life in Salamis. Earthquakes in the 1st and 4th centuries AD caused severe damage. The city was partially rebuilt under Emperor Constantius II and renamed Constantia. However, tidal waves and further earthquakes eventually led to its decline. The Arab invasions of the 7th century dealt the final blow, leading to its abandonment. Shifting sands protected Salamis’s ruins from looters, preserving it.
The gymnasium is one of the best preserved ruins in Salamis. Surrounded by Corinthian-columned arcades, it housed two swimming pools at its north and south ends. The courtyard showcased numerous statues, many now headless, likely due to early looting. A set of well-preserved latrines with visible water systems highlights the advanced infrastructure of the time. A Roman theatre, now partially restored, once seated 15,000 people. The site also holds evidence of Byzantine activity. The Campanopetra Basilica, built in the 4th century AD, showcases early Christian architecture. Nearby, a vast water cistern from the Byzantine era highlights efforts to sustain the city during droughts. Fragments of mosaics and Christian paintings can also be found in Salamis.
2: Nea Paphos
Positioned in southwest Cyprus, Nea Paphos shows a history ranging from prehistoric times to the medieval era. Established in the fourth century BCE, Nea Paphos became Cyprus’s capital during Hellenistic times. Salamis lost this status as Ptolemaic rulers centralized control. It remains an important historical landmark and as a result has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
The park showcases Roman villas named for their notable mosaics. The House of Dionysos and the House of Aion are examples. Each displays mythological and decorative artwork. The House of Dionysos spans over 2000 square meters. Its mosaics depict scenes of myth, hunting, and vintage life. Built in the second century CE, it was abandoned after severe earthquakes. The House of Aion, dating from the fourth century CE, contains mosaics of exceptional complexity. Other structures include an ancient agora, a necropolis, and a Hellenistic theatre. The “Tombs of the Kings” offer insight into burial practices of the era.
Nearby lies the House of Theseus, once home to a Roman governor. This vast residence divided areas for public and private use. Its name honors the mosaic of Theseus and the Minotaur found there. The House of Orpheus, west of Theseus, features depictions of Orpheus, Hercules, and the Amazon.
Nea Paphos’s theatre was built in the fourth century BCE, it served as a venue for performances and events.
3: Kourion
Kourion was an influential ancient city-kingdom in Cyprus. Situated on a hill, it overlooked the Kouris River valley. Its inhabitants believed they descended from Greek settlers of Argos. The city developed for centuries but was devastated by an earthquake in 365 CE.
The Greco-Roman theatre is the centerpiece of Kourion. Built in the second century BCE, it was expanded during the Roman era. Today, it hosts open-air performances, making it a popular cultural venue. East of the theatre lies the House of Eustolios. Once a private home, it became a public center in Christian times.
The House of Eustolios features fifth-century mosaics. Its bathing complex, located nearby, includes cold, warm, and hot baths. The hot rooms were heated through advanced systems of hypocausts. Other impressive homes in Kourion include the House of Achilles. This villa displays mosaics with mythological scenes. The House of the Gladiators is another highlight, named after its artwork.
The Roman forum is another important structure. Built in the third century, it replaced earlier buildings from Hellenistic times. Surrounded by marble porticos, it served as the city’s commercial center. Nearby stands a Nymphaeum, a small shrine dedicated to water nymphs. A public bath complex also remains.
An early Christian basilica from the fifth century includes a separate baptistery. This structure shows the gradual transition to Christianity in the region.
Around one kilometer west of the main site lies Kourion’s stadium. It is located along the road to Paphos and hosted athletic events.
4: Amathous
Amathous was one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus. The city became a site of devotion to Aphrodite-Astarte (Cyprus was her homeland).
The Agora was the heart of the city’s daily activities. The Agora featured a large paved court surrounded by porticos. To the west, Doric columns supported the portico, leading to a fountain. Important buildings, possibly religious or administrative, stood behind the north portico. South of the Agora stood a public bath, a mostly Roman structure. The bath was a circular building with annexes, dating to the Hellenistic period.
On a hill at the Acropolis, the Temple of Aphrodite was situated. Evidence of the temple dates back to the 8th century BC. The remains of tombs were found throughout the city, with artifacts spanning from the Archaic to the Christian periods. These tombs are located at the Acropolis and lower sections of the city.
Besides, several early Christian basilicas were uncovered.
5: Nicosia / Cyprus Museum
The Roman influence on Nicosia is still visible in the city’s layout and architecture. Some buildings and streets in the city center reflect Roman urban planning principles. Otherwise, the ancient structures have been lost or are covered below the modern city.
The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia houses a significant collection of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. It is the most important institution in Cyprus for preserving and showcasing Cyprus’s history. Greek sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions provide insight into Cyprus’s classical period and its connections with the broader Mediterranean world. The museum houses a vast number of Roman and Byzantine items, such as statues and mosaics, religious icons, pottery, and other objects.
6: Limassol Archaeological Museum
The Limassol District Archaeological Museum showcases Greek, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts from the Limassol region. Greek items, including terracotta figurines and a Hathor pillar, show the influence of eastern cultures on Cypriot art. Roman artifacts, such as sculptures and coins, provide insight into life under Roman rule, with a limestone statue of the Egyptian god Bes showing cultural blending. The Byzantine section shows Cyprus’s transition to Christianity, with religious iconography and early Christian pottery.