Overview:

The ruins of ancient Kition, located in Larnaca, Cyprus, date back to the 13th century BC and consist of an acropolis and four separate Phoenician temples. Ancient Kition was an important port and trading centre throughout antiquity, and is mentioned in several passages of the Bible. Now, the ruins serve as a reminder of the ancient city’s past, as well as an archeological site that provides insight into the region’s history. A number of artifacts have been uncovered here, including ancient ceramic and bronze vessels, coins, and jewelry. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins and learn about the city’s fascinating history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

-Ancient city ruins dating back to around 1350 BC -The ancient city is located at the present-day Larnaca district in the south of Cyprus -Archaeological excavations revealed a fortified city dating back to the Late Bronze Age -The city's old walls have been restored and are made of a variety of materials, including limestone blocks -Key finds at the city include the Temple of Astarte and the Ancient Church of Saint Lazarus -The city has a long history of habitation, with evidence of Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish occupation -Today, the area is surrounded by gardens and features several sites of interest, including a mosque, a castle, and a museum dedicated to the history of the city This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The port city of Kition, located on the south coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, is believed to have been founded as early as 1400 BC by the Mycenaeans. It was an important trading and religious center for the region, and was mentioned by both Homer and Ptolemy. Over time, Kition was occupied by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians and eventually Alexander the Great, who made it the capital of his Cypriot Empire. During the Hellenistic period, Kition underwent a series of radical changes, leading to the Hellenization of the city. As the city grew in importance, so too did its architecture. It featured many public buildings, such as temples, arenas and palaces. However, much of this has been destroyed over the years, leaving only the remains of the ancient fortification wall known as the Kition Ruins. The ruins have been dated back to the late 7th century BC, and are one of the oldest surviving monuments associated with the Phoenician presence in Cyprus. The ruins survived numerous wars and invasions, as well as the Arab conquest of Cyprus during the 8th century AD. Today, the ruins of Kition are among the most visited tourist attractions in Larnaca. They are a great testament to the city’s rich history, and provide visitors with an insight into the city’s impressive architectural heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Ancient Kition was an ancient city-kingdom of Cyprus located in modern Larnaca. 2. It was the first city-Kingdom of Cyprus founded by the Myceneans during the 13th century B.C. 3. It was dedicated to the cult of the goddess of love and beauty, named Astarte. 4. The city-Kingdom of Kition was known for being an important administrative centre in Cyprus for centuries. 5. Its ruins were first discovered in 1902 when the town was excavated in order to find artifacts and coins from its time of existence. 6. The Kition ruins are best known for its large library, which was considered to have many books on varied topics like history, theology, philosophy and more. 7. The ruins are also home to a large number of potteries, thrown both in clay and terracotta. 8. Excavations have revealed evidence of the ancient city’s well-preserved stone fortification walls, which were used for protecting its inhabitants. 9. Several diverse artefacts have been found in the ruins, including figures of gods, goddesses, warriors, and jewellery. 10. Additionally, the ruins of Kition are also home to many beautiful mosaic tiles, which depict scenes from tales of ancient times. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.