A Glimpse into Burial Customs and International Connections in Ancient Cyprus
Excavations at the Dromolaxia-Vyzakia site, located along the edge of Larnaca’s Salt Lake, have unveiled remarkable insights into the burial practices of a thriving Late Bronze Age port city. Unearthed by the Swedish archaeological mission during their May–June 2024 dig, three chamber tombs dating back to the 14th century BCE offer a fascinating window into the lives—and deaths—of the city’s ancient inhabitants.
These tombs not only provide valuable information about funerary customs, but also serve as evidence of the settlement’s extensive international trade connections, as indicated by the origin of many of the objects found within.
An Ongoing Discovery Near a Sacred and Strategic Site
The Department of Antiquities announced another successful excavation season at the Dromolaxia necropolis, situated near the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and Larnaca International Airport. The ancient city, which spanned at least 25 hectares, flourished between approximately 1630 and 1150 BCE.
Among the standout finds from this year’s dig is an exceptionally rare, locally made clay figurine of a seated woman with bird-like features. Other notable discoveries include two intricately carved cylinder seals—one made of hematite, the other of copper, a rare material for such artifacts. Both feature detailed imagery of gods, humans, animals, and symbolic motifs.
Chamber Tombs Offering Clues to Past Lives
Based on surface findings and geophysical surveys from prior years, the team focused their efforts on Area A, the city’s extramural cemetery. The excavation revealed three chamber tombs (designated ZZ, ABE, and ABW), preliminarily dated to the 14th century BCE.
Though their ceilings had collapsed in antiquity—damaging some of the grave goods—this collapse also sealed the burial contents in an undisturbed state. As such, the tombs offer a unique glimpse into ancient burial rites and long-distance interactions. Many of the items found reflect a cosmopolitan community deeply engaged in international exchange.
Imported Treasures from Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean
In addition to locally produced pottery, tools, and jewelry, the tombs held a wealth of imported items. These hailed from various regions, primarily the Aegean—including Crete, mainland Greece, and the Cycladic islands—as well as Egypt, Anatolia, the Near East, and more distant cultures.
Among the Aegean imports were finely crafted ceramics, such as the so-called “Chariot Kraters,” decorated with vivid scenes of warriors bearing weapons and riding chariots drawn by paired horses.
Neutron Activation Analysis of pottery fragments from previous seasons revealed that many Mycenaean vessels came from two main centers in the Peloponnese—Berbati (primarily) and Tiryns. Others originated from different locales in Crete and the Aegean islands.
From Egypt came exquisite goods made from ivory and hippopotamus bone, alongside high-quality alabaster vessels, precious metals, and scarabs—carved amulets of symbolic significance.
Burial Practices Reflecting Generations and Rituals
In some tombs, evidence suggests the deliberate arrangement of bones from earlier generations, indicating a ritualized reuse of burial space over time. The stratigraphy of these multi-generational tombs complements that of the city itself, helping scholars establish a more precise chronological framework for the site.
Excavating the remains of so many individuals is a time-consuming and delicate task. As a result, the tombs could not be fully excavated during this season. Protective measures were taken at the end of the season to preserve the site for future study.
Skeletons Tell a Human Story
Bioarchaeological analysis is ongoing, with researchers working to determine the total number of individuals, as well as their age, sex, health conditions, and any signs of trauma. Preliminary findings already indicate the presence of neonates, children, adolescents, and adults—some over the age of 40. These results suggest a relatively low average life expectancy during this period.
A City Built on Copper and Cross-Cultural Exchange
The city's wealth was clearly tied to its role in copper production and its strategic participation in regional and long-distance trade. Judging by the richness of the grave goods, the tombs likely belonged to elite families involved in these industries. The selective use of certain imported items in specific family burials may also hint at the presence of specialized merchants or even immigrant groups within the community.
The Team Behind the Discovery
The excavation was led by Professor Peter Fischer of the University of Gothenburg and included archaeologist Rainer Feldbacher. Alongside them, members of the Swedish mission, guided by Professor Therese Birge, catalogued and analyzed artifacts from both current and previous seasons, now stored at the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum.
The team was further supported by bioarchaeologists Professor Kirsi Lorentz and doctoral researcher Yuko Miyauchi, as well as Professor Sorin Hermon and his colleagues from The Cyprus Institute. These collaborators contributed their expertise in uncovering and documenting human remains, and in producing 2D and 3D reconstructions and materials analyses.
Conclusion: Uncovering the Past, One Layer at a Time
The Dromolaxia necropolis continues to reveal the rich tapestry of life, death, and commerce in the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean. Through a combination of meticulous excavation, interdisciplinary research, and international collaboration, the site stands as a testament to the complexity and connectivity of ancient Cypriot society.
As excavations continue, we can expect even more revelations about this vibrant port city—its people, its rituals, and its role in shaping a globalized Bronze Age world.
