Cyprus: Historical and DescriptiveLöher, Franz von
History
Cyprus: Historical and Descriptive
Löher, Franz von
Cyprus -- Description and travel; Cyprus -- History
bears out such a supposition. In the tombs on the sea-shore, only the
bones of pigeons and egg-shells in clay dishes were to be found with
the human remains, these being evidently the relics of the funeral
feast.”
During the week Cesnola remained at Ktima, he made many excavations;
one of these was upon the site of a temple of which three large granite
columns were still standing; he also discovered the bases of nine other
columns, only a few inches below the surface, and still occupying
their original position, whilst all around were strewn architectural
fragments which had belonged to that structure. On the other spot he
investigated is a broken column, to which it is asserted St. Paul was
tied and scourged when he came to preach the Gospel in this city; but
the tradition is said to be only current amongst the Greeks of Ktima.
In this locality there were also shafts of columns, some blocks of
triglyphs and volutes lying on the ground, probably also the remains of
a temple. A silver coin of Vespasian, with the Temple of Paphos upon
it, and a few Roman lamps, were all the relics that were found after a
week’s exploration.
Before quitting the neighbourhood of Paphos, the same authority visited
the village of Koloni, which is situated upon a plain, stretching down
to the sea, overshadowed by hills covered with juniper-trees. In these
rocks are situated the “asbestos” quarries, of which we have already
spoken, and the much lauded “Paphian diamond,” which, however, is
only a superior quality of rock crystal. These hills, we are told,
yield fossil shells in large quantities; and earths of different
colours, green, carmine, and yellow, are occasionally met with in the
surrounding district.
Ten minutes’ ride from Koloni, in a north-west direction, is Ieroskipo,
now a mere group of houses. This name is evidently derived from the
ancient Hieroskepi, “Sacred Garden,” the well-known garden of Venus,
who was regarded by her worshippers as the goddess of gardens and
flowers. Cupid was supposed to have lived with her in Cyprus.
“There is,” says Cesnola, “a large cave which seems to have been
artificially scooped out of the rock through which a spring makes
its way, and after filling the basin overflows and forms a rivulet
sufficient to water the neighbouring fields; this is known as the ‘Bath
of Aphrodite.’ I must say, he would be obdurate indeed who would not
be captivated by the great beauty of the spot. The ground generally
slopes gently towards the sea, but here it seems to have been cut into
large plateaux or terraces, which are surrounded by a thick grove of
olive-trees, many centuries old. Among the olives is a sprinkling
of carob-trees, which, with their dark green and lustrous foliage,
form a striking contrast to the pale hue of the olive leaf. In closer
proximity to Ieroskipo, are a number of rock-cut tombs, but no vestige
of buildings are visible.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account