Kourion, Archaeological site near Episkopi, Cyprus.
Kourion is an ancient city built on a limestone promontory about 100 meters above sea level, with ruins spanning multiple periods. The site contains a theater, bathhouses, private residences decorated with mosaic floors, and an early Christian basilica from the 5th century.
The settlement began in the Neolithic period and became a major Greek city-state around 1050 BCE, later falling under control of the Persian and Roman empires. The city continued to be inhabited and transformed through these successive periods of rule.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates drew worshippers from across the island who came to perform rituals and leave offerings at the site. The sanctuary's role in religious life shaped how the settlement organized itself around this sacred space.
The ruins are spread across a clifftop with panoramic sea views and can be accessed via marked walking paths. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven, and bring water since there is limited shade on the exposed promontory.
The House of the Gladiators contains intact mosaic floors showing combat scenes between fighters, offering rare evidence of how Romans entertained themselves in Cyprus. These preserved mosaics reveal details about daily life and leisure activities that visitors can observe directly.
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