Amathous, an important ancient city-kingdom in Cyprus, holds mythological significance as it was where the Greek hero Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne in the care of local women. The city was also a significant center for worshipping the Goddess Aphrodite-Astarte.
The archaeological site of Amathous boasts a wealth of historical discoveries. Among them are the Agora, the public baths, the Temple of Aphrodite, early Christian basilicas, and several tombs.
The Agora, situated in the lower town, served as the central hub for commercial and political activities in ancient times. It was surrounded by various buildings that played crucial roles in the daily life of the city. During the Roman period, the Agora was structured around a large stone-paved court, flanked by three porticos. The west portico, adorned with 13 Doric columns, led to the court and terminated at its north edge with a fountain (or Nympheum) and a later cistern. The buildings behind the damaged north portico likely housed essential administrative or religious structures of the site.
To the south of the Agora lies the public bath (balaneion), which consists of a closed circular area and annexes. This bath, along with part of the west portico of the Agora, dates back to the Hellenistic period and represents the earliest evidence of human activity in the area.
Atop the Acropolis of Amathous stands the Temple of Aphrodite, an ancient sanctuary. The presence of votive offerings dating back to the mid-8th century BC indicates the temple's historical significance. Throughout the centuries, the temple served as a sacred enclosed space for ceremonies and votive offerings around an altar. While there might have been other buildings in the vicinity, the primary cult activities were not housed in a main building.
The Acropolis area also once featured two massive stone craters, believed to belong to the late Archaic period. One of these craters was taken to the Paris Louvre in the 19th century, and a modern replica now stands in its place.
According to beliefs, the Acropolis of Amathous may have been home to two other temples dedicated to Adonis and Hercules.
Numerous artifacts, dating from the Archaic to the Roman and Christian eras, have been unearthed at the Acropolis and the lower part of the town. Additionally, five early Christian basilicas contribute to the site's historical importance.
Archaeological Sites
