Archaeologists have recently rediscovered an ancient statue sanctuary in Cyprus that was originally found in 1885 but was later covered in sand and lost again. The recent excavation revealed historical finds dating back to the seventh century B.C. Fragments of statues buried in the sand have been uncovered, allowing for the completion of statues that are now on display in museums in Cyprus and Canada.
The site, known as Frangissa, was dedicated to Apollo and was located in the remote Frangissa Valley. The team of German archaeologists not only rediscovered the sanctuary but also exposed the walls of the dedication courtyard and over 100 statue bases. The site features numerous statues, including some remarkably large ones, with remnants of these statues being found for the first time.
New types of statues previously unknown in Frangissa were also discovered, including larger-than-life feet that indicate the existence of colossal male limestone figures from archaic times. The finds also include marbled glass beads and Egyptian amulets made of faience, showcasing cultural exchanges. The area was found to have been in use since the Iron Age, continuing through various historical periods.
Inscriptions on the bases of statues provide insights into the site’s history, with one featuring local Cypro-Syllabic characters and another referencing the Ptolemies in Greek. The sanctuary was popular from the seventh to sixth centuries B.C. and continued to be used until the end of the royal period, with evidence of an expansion phase seen in the architecture.
The site also yielded small chariots, horsemen, and warrior figures made of terracotta, as well as large-format terracottas and limestone statues depicting horses and riders. While some of the larger pieces were taken by German researcher Max Ohnefalsch-Richter in 1885 and are now in museums worldwide, numerous limestone fragments and terracotta pieces are still being studied and preserved.
“It was surprising to discover that not only were pedestals for votive statues uncovered in the 19th-century backfill, but also extensive amounts of statue fragments,” stated officials in Cyprus. “Back in 1885, in the haste to uncover remarkable findings, these fragments were not identified as artifacts.” Thankfully, we now recognize them as valuable treasures.
