Maritime Archaeology on Cyprus

The archaeology and history of Cyprus is intimately bound up with the sea. As with many other Mediterranean islands the sea facilitates, transforms and influences cultural developement. This section of the website focuses on Cypriot maritime archaeological issues.

In terms of how we define Maritime then there are three distinct localities that encompass this sphere.

Deep water, in particular wreck sites. (Photo shows the Mazotos Shipwreck, Photo by Maritime Archaeological Research Laboratory

Near shore, such as anchorages, harbours and port areas. Plus areas that would once have been coastal but are now situated further out to sea due to sea level changes.

Coastal, areas that are at the interface between land and sea. In Antiquity some of these areas may have been a long way from the sea but due to coastal erosion and other factors they are now much closer.