THE Antiquites Department yesterday revealed details of an archaeological expedition carried out earlier this year on Fabrika Hill in Paphos.
The Department, which is part of the Ministry of Communications and Works, announced that the French-led work took place from April 15 until May 10.
Excavations concentrated on two mains areas: the northern slope of the hill and behind the ancient theatre to the southeast.
On the north side, the excavations continued on the east-west wall, built with stone pillars. This wall appears to be the back wall of a house, probably dating to the Hellenistic period.
It was backfilled at the time of the Flavian emperors (beginning of the second half of the first century AD). Other walls were uncovered east of this house. Excavation in this area will continue this month.
A trial sondage that was opened against the main terrace wall (40 metres long), which was revealed in 2008, confirmed that this north-south wall was built during the first century BC / first century AD. The entire area seems to have then been filled.
On the eastern slope of Fabrika Hill, a team continued with the removal of the destroyed level of the vaulted building, carved out of the bedrock, which was discovered in 2008.
Seismologists confirmed that this building had been destroyed by an earthquake.
The archaeological data seems to show that it was destroyed during the second half of the 13th century or the beginning of the 14th century.
The work for the foundations of this building cut into a probable ancient rock-cut gallery. The gallery seems to have led to the theatre and it is high enough for a person to stand inside.
Nothing was found inside it apart from tool marks. At the southeast corner of the building a well was uncovered, not yet fully excavated.
North of this building, the remains of a floor made out of rough slabs and stones were revealed.
A human burial was found in this area. The skeleton of a man was found lying in a stone sarcophagus in an east-west orientation with his arms crossed on his chest.
Source: Cyprus Mail [November 04, 2010]