This research seeks to elucidate the architectural and religious transformations of the region of Kourion, Cyprus, along with its archaeological remains of sacred sites and ports, between the 1st and 6th centuries A.D. Tracing these changes over time provides an opportunity to address gaps in current knowledge about how this coastal region of Cyprus developed in the ancient and Early Christian periods as a major centre of trade and religious activity. Historical records postulate the existence of Kourion as far back as 1100 BC, potentially earlier, a hypothesis supported by archaeological findings within tombs in the valley below the city. Kourion witnessed various phases of colonisation, including Assyrian rule in 750-475 BC, Egyptian governance between 569-546 BC, and subsequently Persian control from 546 to 497 BC. The classical period, however, of 475-333 BC saw no definitive evidence of habitation in Kourion. Subsequently, Cyprus fell under Ptolemaic rule in 294 BC before transitioning to a Roman dominion between 58 BC – 365 AD. The principal aim, of this research is to explore the role of the ancient port (Trypiti) as a strategically important maritime nexus in the region, facilitating trade and religious pilgrimages between key religious locales in southern Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, Phoenicia/Anatolia, and North Africa. In addition, the investigation uses historical and archaeological comparisons with coastal sites in other parts of the Mediterranean (the Levant, North Africa, Lebanon, and Europe) in an attempt to identify a pattern of development in the religious coastal topography of Kourion and how this contributed to changes in the use and symbolism of Trypiti bay as an important passageway to religious sanctuaries in the vicinity of the coast. These historical phases (Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine) are based on archaeological evidence found in the construction and the exterior remains. Since the construction suffered severe damage throughout the centuries due to natural phenomena such as landslides and earthquakes, as well as the destruction from military campaigns, it is important to address the urgency to preserve the monuments in this area, such as Trypiti Bay, which influenced by the shifting political situation in the eastern Mediterranean. Little attempt has been made to reconstruct the ancient port and identify its topographical and geographical relationships with its surroundings, as this research aims to achieve. Investigations undertaken by this researcher have revealed tantalising evidence of important, topographical and symbolic relationships previously overlooked. A 3D digital reconstruction was developed to investigate the ancient port of Trypiti Bay and construction. This reconstruction will support the future preservation of this important historical site. Evidence of the three stages of transformations is also based on inscriptions discovered during earlier field trips to the site and, more recently, during the fieldwork between 2019-2022. These transformations of the construction of Trypiti Bay, along with the monumental manifestations remains of Kourion, and their topographical relationships/connections, are divided into summarised under four research areas: a) cultural, b) economic, c) religious, and d) sociopolitical. The study takes these four areas of enquiry to examine the following issues: a) Trypiti Bay's function as a key gateway for trade and pilgrimage; b) the port’s diverse utilisation and functions over time; and c) the port’s strategic topographical orientation in relation to Kourion and surrounding religious sites, drawing comparative insights from similar coastal structures in Cyprus, Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. The principal aim of the study is to establish a chronology and plausible dating of the port's construction, utilising interpretations of archaeological data and evidence. In addition, it is necessary to note 'habitus’, based on the theories of Pierre Bourdieu. A key aspect of the research is to trace through built form and inscription in the religious transition of Kourion from paganism to Christianity and the subsequent domination of Christianity on the island. This transition contributed significantly to the architectural transformations of the area. The architectural design of Trypiti is considered unique to Cyprus, as no similar structures have been identified thus far.
Date of Award | 4 Nov 2024 |
---|
Original language | English |
---|
Supervisor | Danilo Di Mascio (Main Supervisor) |
---|