12 - Cyprus

Summary

THE TRANSITION FROM THE LATE BRONZE AGE TO THE IRON AGE

The physical phenomenon – probably an earthquake – or the hostile assault which destroyed the Late Bronze Age towns of Cyprus about 1075 B.C. marked the end of this period throughout the island and caused the abandonment of most of them, except Old Paphus and Citium. The evidence for the subsequent period, the initial stages of the Iron Age, has to depend almost entirely on archaeology, hence the continual reference to archaeological remains and material culture in general.

Life was resumed at Old Paphus soon after the catastrophe, as is shown by material found in tombs, and there are more substantial archaeological remains at Citium, recently revealed by excavation, which demonstrate the reoccupation of the town. As a result of the catastrophe large portions of the mud-brick superstructure of the city wall of the town fell on the street which runs along the rectangular bastions, sealing pottery of the latest phase of Proto-White Painted ware. The city wall was never rebuilt, suggesting perhaps a long spell of peaceful conditions, but the public buildings (temples and sacred areas) and private houses were rebuilt throughout the area so far excavated, either on the foundations of the old walls or following a completely different grid plan. The solid walls and the thick floors suggest not an ephemeral reoccupation by squatters but one of a permanent character. The ensuing period was one of peace and relative prosperity. Proto-White Painted ware disappeared almost completely, and new fabrics appear on the new floors (Citium Floor I): these are White Painted I, Bichrome I and Black Slip I, marking the beginning of the Iron Age or Cypro–Geometric I period.