Idea #147- Exploring the vestiges of the neolithic village of Choirokoitia in Cyprus
Situated in the District of Larnaka, in approximately 6 km of the south coast of Cyprus, the Neolithic site of Choirokoitia is on the slopes of a hill partially surrounded by a meander of the Maroni river. Used form the VIIth to the Vth millennium BC., the village covers a surface about 3 ha ; it is one of the most important prehistoric sites of the oriental Mediterranean Sea. He symbolizes well the success of the first human activity of the island by farmers come from the Middle Eastern continent East by the beginning of the IXe century BC.
The excavations showed that the village consisted of circular houses, built in brick and stones, with flat roofs, and that it was protected by successive outer walls. This impressive construction, according to a preconceived plan, reflects an important collective effort – we know few examples of similar constructions to the Near East – and suggest a structured social organization capable of building and of maintaining works of large scale for the common benefit. Every house consisted of several circular buildings equipped with homes and with ponds, arranged around a small court where took place domestic activities. Houses belonged as well to the deaths, buried in pits under grounds in hard-packed surface. The arhaeologists discovered numerous objects as tools in flint, tools in bone, stone bowls, plant and animal rests, and of remarkable statuettes anthropomorphes stone (and one in clay), which show, as well as the funeral rites, some existence of complex religious beliefs. As only a part of the site was searched, this one establishes an exceptional archaeological reserve for future searches. The site was classified on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Choirokoitia, Cyprus
