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According to legend, Nea Paphos was founded by Agapenor,
leader of the Arcadians during the siege of Troy. The
site was well-chosen for it had an excellent harbour
and soon outstripped the older centre, now known as
Palaeo Paphos. |
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Nea
Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings |
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burial ground of Paphos' most important citizens lies
just outside the city walls, to the north of the town.
Although they are popularly known as the Tombs of the
Kings there probably wasn't a royal burial among them.
They date to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (ca.
300 BC to 300 AD). |
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Tombs
of the Kings. Rock Cut Tomb |
Tombs
of the Kings. Burial Chamber |
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tombs were carved out of the relatively soft limestone
of an ancient quarry, some in the wall face and others
completely underground. The interiors had multiple alcoves—presumably
used as family vaults—that were often decorated
with relief carvings or murals. |
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Tombs
of the Kings. Myrtle |
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Tombs
of the Kings. Peristyle Court |
Tombs
of the Kings. Stairway |
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some of the more elaborate tombs had peristyle forecourts,
complete with columns and metopes carved in the Classical
style. |
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Tombs
of the Kings. Shooting Toni |
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Tombs
of the Kings. Toni, Bob (way back there), Lorna &
Ron |
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of the villas that made up the ancient city have been
uncovered down by the ancient harbour. The excavated
examples include the homes of some of the wealthier
citizens of Paphos and are decorated with mosaic floors
illustrating familiar mythological scenes relating to
Theseus and Dionysos among others. |
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Nea
Paphos. House of Theseus |
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A
well-armed putto from the House of Theseus |
Theseus
& the Minotaur |
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