Khirokitia, Archaeological site in Larnaca District, Cyprus
Khirokitia is an archaeological site in the Larnaca District featuring circular stone structures arranged along a hillside at approximately 156 meters (510 feet) elevation. The structures are linked by pathways and surrounded by defensive walls that protected the settlement.
The settlement was established around 7000 BCE and abandoned by 6000 BCE, representing early human migration from the Near East to the Mediterranean region. This period marks one of the earliest known permanent settlements in the area.
The residents buried their dead beneath the floors of their homes, showing strong family ties and distinct burial customs. These practices reveal how deeply connected people felt to their families and to the place they called home.
Guided tours and information panels are available at the site to help visitors understand the settlement. The location is easily accessible by regular intercity buses connecting Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia.
No pottery remains were found at the site, indicating the settlement is older than pottery technology itself. This discovery makes the location valuable for understanding early human development before the invention of ceramics.
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