Overview:

: The Choirokoitia Archaeological Site in Cyprus is a prehistoric settlement from around 7000BC-3000BC—one of the nine prehistoric settlement sites in the Mediterranean recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site is located on an elevation surrounded by two rivers, offering protected sites for farming and dwellings. It consists of an impressive set of Neolithic village remains which are divided into two main parts, the upper and lower village. The upper village consists of two round houses, with an altar, and a jointly-used oven, and the lower village has three rectangular structures. A variety of artefacts like ceramics, tools, and religious items have been discovered throughout the site, which has provided evidence for use in cultural and social understanding. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. It is one of the oldest settlements in Cyprus and is believed to date back to 7,000 BC. 2. It is the only prehistoric village which has ever been excavated in Cyprus. 3. It is believed to have been a permanent settlement for at least 2,000 years. 4. It is the type-site of Cyprus' earliest known culture, the Choirokoitia Culture. 5. Many artifacts, such as flint tools, have been recovered from the site. 6. The remains of nine houses have been discovered in the site, as well as five earlier ones that have been destroyed by later settlements. 7. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. 8. It is an important part of Cyprus' cultural heritage, as it displays the earliest forms of urbanization in the island. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Choirokoitia is an ancient, well-preserved Neolithic village situated in western Cyprus. The village first appeared in the Early and Middle Bronze Ages (3000-2000 BCE) as a fishing and farming community. In the Early and Middle Neolithic periods (6000-4500 BCE), the inhabitants began to establish a more permanent settlement. During this period, they constructed circular dwellings and developed a series of terraces and walls to support horticulture on the slopes. The site was abandoned and re-inhabited a number of times throughout its history but it is mainly associated with the Final Neolithic period (4500-2900 BCE) when it was at its peak. At this time, Choirokoitia was associated with two other sites in the region, Kalavasos-Ayios Dhimitrios and Alassa, which were both parts of the same culture. The archaeological remains of Choirokoitia reveal an organized and sophisticated society that practiced farming, fishing and pastoralism. They manufactured pottery, stone tools and metal objects which indicate a trade network with other Neolithic sites. In addition, the site was occupied for a long period of time, which testifies to its success in sustaining the community. The site was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. The archaeological remains at the site are well preserved and have been successfully integrated into the modern surrounding environment, making it both an educational site and a fascinating place to visit. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Choirokoitia is home to some of the oldest few surviving Neolithic dwellings in the world, first settled around 6800 BC. 2. This archaeological site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. 3. On the flat hilltop, there are three distinct clusters of circular dwellings. 4. Each dwelling at the Choirokoitia Archaeological Site consists of an exterior lower wall made of unworked stone and an interior made of baked mud bricks. 5. The structures had thatched, conical roofs, which were supported by timber from nearby timber sources. 6. The settlement was designed with a defensive system in mind—high walls on all sides that reach up to two meters tall, and a deep ditch ringing the perimeter. 7. The growing economy at the site supported an increase in the population, and yielded evidence of much bronze work and flint knives, spear and arrowheads. 8. Archaeologists have also excavated 7,000-year-old carved stone idols from the site, which are the earliest examples of stone sculpture in the region. 9. This archaeological site includes a temple built to worship a Mother Goddess with a pit for rituals. 10. Carbon-14 dating in 1993 confirmed that the site was first populated before 6800 BC. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.