Enigmatic 4,000-Year-Old Temple with Central Monolith Unearthed in Cyprus
Archaeologists working at the Erimi site. Credit: University of Siena
A team of archaeologists, led by Professor Luca Bombardieri from the University of Siena, has uncovered a 4,000-year-old temple, believed to be the oldest sacred site on the island of Cyprus.
The discovery took place in Erimi, a village near Limassol, as part of the Erimi Archaeological Project—a collaborative initiative involving the University of Siena, the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, and other institutions. This extensive research effort has been ongoing for 15 years.
A Multifaceted Ancient Complex
Situated on a high limestone terrace overlooking the Kouris River and the Gulf of Kourion, the temple is part of a larger complex that encompasses residential units, workshops, and a burial site. This artisan community flourished during the Middle Bronze Age, approximately 2000-1600 BCE.
At the core of the temple stands an enigmatic monolith, approximately 2.30 meters (7.5 feet) tall. This smooth, polished stone features a circular arrangement of small cups at its center, which researchers believe played a significant role in the rituals and ideology of the ancient community. Originally positioned in the center of a rectangular room, the monolith was accompanied by an amphora and a hearth, allowing for movement around these central artifacts. This configuration indicates the room's use as a sacred space within the workshop complex.
A view of the Bronze Age site at Erimi. Credit: Luca Bombardieri et al.
Professor Bombardieri elaborated on the significance of the monolith in a press release: “The peculiarities of this space, especially when compared to the surrounding production workshop spaces, indicate that it is a small sacred space—the oldest effectively documented on this island.”
Grim Discoveries Amidst the Ruins
In addition to the temple, the excavation revealed the skeletal remains of a young woman, estimated to be around 20 years old. Evidence suggests she was the victim of a violent death, possibly an ancient case of femicide. Her skull exhibited signs of a severe fracture, likely caused by a spear or heavy object. A large stone was found placed on her chest—a practice that may have been intended to immobilize her remains and prevent her spirit from haunting the living. The lack of valuable items or ceremonial objects near her body indicates that no formal burial rites were performed.
A recreation of the temple depicts the monolith, an amphora, and a fire pit. Credit: University of Siena
Bombardieri suggested that this case might be connected to other similar incidents recorded across Cyprus, where young women were killed and isolated from their communities, possibly due to issues related to maternity. The entrance to the small dwelling where the woman was found had been meticulously sealed, resembling a tomb.
Preservation Through Destruction
The findings from Erimi offer valuable insights into the lives and practices of an early Bronze Age community. Known for producing wine-colored textiles, the settlement was abruptly abandoned and preserved for millennia after a fire, which may have been set by fleeing villagers. This fire caused the temple's roof to collapse, effectively sealing and preserving the site.
Configuration of the Erimi archaeological site. Credit: Luca Bombardieri et al.
“The collapse of the structure, sealing off those remains, has enabled us archaeologists to rediscover them after four thousand years,” Bombardieri remarked. Researchers are hopeful that future excavations will shed more light on this ancient community.