A molded female figurine dating to the 5th century BC, as well as numerous complete ceramic vessels, inscribed lead sling bullets, bronze coins, projectile points, iron daggers, lead weights, and beads are among the discoveries during the excavations at the site of Pyla-Vigla.
According to the Deputy Ministry of Culture’s Department of Antiquities, the 18th season of the Pyla-Koutsopetria Archaeological Project (PKAP) was completed under the direction of Dr. Brandon R. Olson of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Dr. Melanie Godsey of Trinity University, and Dr. Tom Landvatter of Reed College.
It is noted that PKAP’s excavations at the site of Pyla-Vigla over the past several years have revealed the presence of an early-Hellenistic fortified site located on a steep plateau overlooking Larnaka Bay. The military nature of the site is demonstrated by the discovery of an extensive fortification system, projectile points, lead sling bullets, and evidence of weapons production, it is added.
The architectural, ceramic, and numismatic evidence discovered so far date the occupation of Vigla to the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC.
Building on the 2023 season, PKAP’s 2024 fieldwork was focused on further understanding of the domestic areas of site in the center of the plateau, as well as clarifying the nature of the site’s topography through a microtopography survey, the Department of Antiquities says.
It is added that PKAP continued excavation in two 5x5m trenches that remained open from previous seasons, opened two additional 5x5m trenches in the same area, and worked to remove three baulks to better understand the architectural layout of the building complex.
“The excavation units in the domestic area continued to reveal several rooms with multiple architectural phases and distinct assemblages. Over the course of this season several important in situ floor assemblages were revealed,” the announcement says.
It is added that beneath one of these contexts, a molded female figurine dating to the 5th century BC was discovered – representing the earliest extant evidence antedating the construction of the fort. Additional finds included numerous complete ceramic vessels, inscribed lead sling bullets, bronze coins, projectile points, iron daggers, lead weights, and beads.
Moreover the Department says that future work planned for Vigla will continue to focus on the interior architecture and the nature of activity within the residential/industrial areas, as well as clarify aspects of the fortification system.
Th team acknowledges the support of Dr. Giorgos Georgiou, Director of the Department of Antiquities, the staff of the Archaeological Museum of Larnaka District, CAARI, and the Dhekelia Base Civilian Estates Officer and their staff. The project was funded by Reed College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and private donors, the announcement concludes.
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Source: CNA/AGK/EPH
