Overview:

Ancient Soloi was a city-state located on the northern coast of Cyprus. It flourished during the 7th century BC, and is most famous for its coinage. The city was originally founded in the late 4th century BC, and became an independent state in the 6th century BC. Its growth can be attributed to the strategic location of the city, which connected it to the major ports of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location also allowed for easy access to trade routes and resources such as timber, copper, and grain. Throughout its history, Soloi was known for its coins which featured the likeness of small horses and showed the city’s prominence in the region. During the 5th century BC, the city was destroyed by Persian forces and fell into disuse for many centuries. Today, the ancient city is the site of the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, which houses many ancient artifacts. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The Royal Stoa: The Royal Stoa at Soloi is one of the oldest archaeological features of the ancient city, dating back to the 5th century BC. It is the last surviving structure from the city, and it reveals unique insights into the history and culture of the region. 2. Agora: The ancient city of Soloi had an impressive Agora, or marketplace, where citizens gathered to trade and conduct business activities. The archaeological remains of the Agora reveal that it was an important commercial and social hub of the city in ancient times. 3. Theatre: Soloi is home to the remains of one of the earliest open-air Ancient Greek theatres discovered on the island. Built during the 1st century BC, the theatre has 12 tiers of seating and a capacity of around 15,000 spectators. 4. Acropolis: Located at the top of a hill in the northern part of the city is the impressive acropolis fortress, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC. The walls of the acropolis protected the city from its enemies and provided a great view of the surrounding area. 5. Temples: The ruins of several ancient temples can be found at the site of Soloi. These include the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Justice. These temples provide valuable insight into the religious practices and beliefs of the Ancient Greeks in the region. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Soli, modern-day idimu, is a city located in the Morphou plain of Northwest Cyprus. It is believed to have been established in the times of the Ionian colonization of Cyprus, which is usually placed around the twelfth century BC. The city is known mainly from ancient sources such as Strabo, Polybius and Pliny. Soli prospered as a Calliergoi port, minting coins with the motif of Apollo Delphinios. The city was also famous for its marble quarries and musical competitions; the region was thus called the "land of musical Apollo". During the Greco-Roman period, Soli had a strong cultural and political life. In 45 BC, Julius Caesar visited the city on his Eastern campaign. Soli was later controlled by the Romans and Ptolemaic and the Ottomans. In 1567 AD, the Venetians took control of the city. The Venetians fortified the city with a castle and walls and Soli became an important trading port. From 1609 AD, the Turks took things power. Under the Turks, Soli was known as Gazi Hassan. Soli reached its peak in the 19th century during the British rule of Cyprus. It was a wealthy agricultural city with a sophisticated irrigation system. The city exported olive oil, wine and citrus fruits. During this period, Soli obtained numerous monuments and public buildings, such as the City Hall, which is still standing. During World War II, the citizens of Soli chose to fight alongside the British forces. Upon independence from Britain in 1960, many Soli residents moved to Britain and the United States where they remain to this day. After the 1974 war, the city was again populated, however, now with refugees from the North. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Soloi was a settlement on the southern coast of Cyprus around 1000 BC. 2. Located in what is now Morphou Bay, it is believed to be one of the earliest Greek settlements, possibly even predating the historic city of Salamis. 3. Soloi was founded by settlers from the neighbouring island of Rhodes, and it is thought to have been part of a trading network between Greece and Egypt. 4. The city was named after the gods in Greek mythology, who passed their knowledge and wisdom to humanity. 5. Soloi was home to an important shrine dedicated to Apollo, the sun god. 6. In 540 BC, Solon, the famous Athenian law-giver, visited the city and inscribed regulations that gave a number of rights to the inhabitants. 7. In 301 BC, Soloi was destroyed by the Diadoch Ptolemy I, but it was soon rebuilt by Ptolemy II, with the city becoming an important centre of culture. 8. In 87 BC, the city was taken over by the Roman Empire, which was when the first coins of Soloi were minted. 9. Soloi is also associated with the Christian saint Ignatius of Antioch, who spent some time living there. 10. In the Byzantine Empire, the city was known as Solonopolis and it became an administrative centre due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.