The ancient ruins of Salamis: history and archaeology

Just north of Famagusta, at the base of the Karpaz Peninsula in Cyprus, lie the ancient ruins of Salamis. This city, named after Salamina in Attica, was once a thriving capital and key commercial hub, with a history stretching back to 1100 BC. The remains of the city cover an area of one square mile, stretching along the coast and inland, much of which is still unexcavated and forested with mimosa, pine, and eucalyptus trees.

Early beginnings and influences

Salamis was first inhabited by Achaeans from the 12th century BC, during the Late Bronze Age. The city benefited from Cyprus's rich copper resources, making it an important trade centre. Assyrian inscriptions mention Salamis as one of the island's kingdoms, and the Assyrians reached Cyprus around 877 BC. By 708 BC, the cities of Cyprus were honouring the Assyrian king, Sargon II, though they enjoyed a degree of independence.

The founder of Salamis, according to tradition, was Teucer, son of Telamon. Teucer named the city after his homeland when he settled in Cyprus following the Trojan War. The first genuine evidence of the city's archaeological importance came from the discovery of gold coins dating from 411 to 374 BC.

Persian and Greek influence

Salamis started minting its own coins in the 6th century BC, drawing inspiration from Persian models. Significant Homeric ritual influences were also evident in the city, as proven by the "royal tombs" where the deceased were given oil and horses. These rituals demonstrate how the Homeric epics have influenced Cypriot customs.

In the battles fought between the Greeks and Persians, Salamis was vital. It was the scene of an important land and sea battle between Persia and Athens in 450 BC. Historians like as Herodotus and Isocrates provide an in-depth description of the city's history during the Archaic and Classical periods. Salamis was the capital of Cyprus and led efforts to gain independence from Persian rule.

The reign of King Evagoras

Evagoras I (410–374), one of Salamis' greatest kings, was successful in releasing Cyprus from Persian domination. Greek culture and art blossomed in the city during his rule. Gold coins and important artefacts from this era have been discovered, demonstrating the wealth of the city. Nicocreon, the final monarch of Salamis, had his cenotaph discovered in the excavated tumulus, signifying the end of the classical era.

After Alexander the Great's death, Salamis came under the control of Ptolemy, who appointed his brother Menelaus as the governor of Cyprus. This period saw the establishment of Salamis as the island's capital once again.

Roman and Byzantine periods

Salamis became part of the Roman province of Cilicia, and although the governor's seat moved to Paphos, Salamis remained an important and wealthy city. Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian favored Salamis, constructing many public buildings, including the Gymnasium with its colonnaded Palaestra. However, great earthquakes in 76 AD and again in the 4th century caused significant damage. Christians rebuilt parts of the city, repurposing columns from the Roman theatre.

The theatre, with its 50 rows of seats and seating capacity of 15,000, is another monumental part of the site. Many niches around the buildings once contained marble statues, now headless, as the early Christians destroyed pagan symbols. Before the Christian period, Salamis was a colorful city with marble columns covered in stucco, colored statues, and numerous polychrome mosaics.

Rebuilt by Constantius II and renamed Constantia, Salamis became a bishopric seat. Notably, Agios Epiphanios was a famous bishop during this time. The Pediaeus River eventually clogged the harbor, contributing to the city's decline. Salamis was abandoned during the Arab invasions of the 7th century, and its inhabitants moved to what is now Famagusta.

Archaeological discoveries

Salamis excavations started in earnest in 1952 and went on until 1974, when Turkish invaded the region. Numerous post-Classical public buildings, including as the Temple of Zeus Salaminios, public baths, a Roman theatre, and a gymnasium, have been unearthed at this location. The Great Hall buildings, which house the Sudatorium (hot baths), Caldarium (steam bath), and Frigidarium (cold baths), are testaments to the Romans' love for baths.

The church of Agios Epiphanios, with its seven aisles, is a notable remnant of the Byzantine era. The aqueduct that brought water from Kythrea to the city was destroyed in the 7th century. Salamis' necropolis spans 7 square km and comprises graves from the Geometric to Hellenistic periods.

The Apostles Paul and Barnabas had a major influence in the Christianization of Cyprus, and the city is strongly associated with the Christian movement. The Cypriot church is credited to its founder, Barnabas of Salamis. According to tradition, his tomb, discovered in 488 AD, contained the Gospel of Mark, granting the Church of Cyprus its autocephalous status.

Salamis's historic remains provide a fascinating look into a city that flourished under many different rulers and eras. This city was once a significant cultural and commercial hub in the Mediterranean. Being there allows you to feel and imagine how vibrant and busy this place once was.