One of the most amazing experiences that I have enjoyed so far on Cyprus is my visit to the ‘Tombs of Kings.’ This site covers several acres and is well preserved. It is a major attraction in Paphos and a significant necropolis carved out of solid rock. The five tombs differ in size and shape, and one of them takes the breath away. Complete with an open courtyard, several pillars and four rooms – a great place to stop and admire and wonder. After climbing down into this courtyard I wandered from one room to another and felt I was living in the past, hearing ancient voices whispering around the darkened room’s walls. I have been to this site twice and will go again this winter to take more photos without trying to avoid shooting tourists (no pun intended – perhaps). Next to the sea, I found this a perfect place to rest the feet and enjoy a sandwich and drink while sitting and enjoying the panoramic views.

Just down the shoreline next to a Roman fort that stands surrounded by a moat, there is another site – Paphos Mosaics. Experts agree that some of the most intact and beautiful ancient mosaics in the Mediterranean can be found here. The mosaics are part of a complex of Roman villas. Each mosaic depicts something different, whether an act of a Greek god or goddess, a blessing for the home, or a scene from a mythological story. An amphitheater sits to one side of the site, just below the lighthouse that overlooks the coast. Complete with a little restoration, it is easy to visualize Roman thespians acting out mythological plays. I spent ages in one villa that has been completely covered over by a roof and walked around on a raised walkway. The villa floor structure is complete from the kitchen to the baths to the dining and bedrooms. Each floor was covered in brilliant mosaics and outside I discovered the clay pipe system that was used to carry water into the villa.

Further inland, in the small town of Kouklla, the Temple of Aphrodite is laid out on one of the smaller sites. Once, this was the most significant place of Aphrodite worship in ancient Cyprus. The temple is near enough in total ruin, but some Hellenistic walls still remain. There are also several Roman pillars to be found and a walk around the site affords views across the distant sea. On a hot day this site is open without shelter, and so the tavern that is ideally situated just outside the entrance was a great place to cool off with a pint.

Cyprus has been governed by many different powers throughout its history dating back to prehistory. From Neolithic and Chalcolithic people to the Bronze Age that saw the Greeks arrive. The Hellenistic and Roman periods saw the Persian control come and go as Alexander planned to reconquer the East. The island was eventually converted to Christianity through the Apostles Paul and Barnabus. From the 15th century, the island came under the rule of the Ottomans but managed to retain its Hellenistic culture. Later, after Britain relinquished the island to independent rule, the Turks invaded and now illegally, rule a third of the island. All things considered, throughout its cultural and turbulent history, no matter who rules, Cyprus is a historical gem, and I am so pleased that the World Heritage organization is preserving treasures we must safeguard for our grandchildren and beyond.

I have only scratched the surface here and look forward to seeing and experiencing much more. What really excites me as a writer are the inspirational vibes that resonate from every nook and cranny of ancient walls and carvings. To think that two thousand years ago, other Roman men leaned on the pillar I am leaning on – or other artistic hands carefully created a fabulous mosaic that I can touch today. What great artists they were to carve and create with no modern tools.

For more information, go to http://www.cyprus-archaeology.org.uk/sites.htm