Illegal excavations at the archaeological site of Salamis in occupied Cyprus, located just a few kilometers from Famagusta, have been conducted since 1998 by the University of Ankara in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot so-called Eastern Mediterranean University, in violation of international treaties and conventions.
The illegal excavations at Salamis are regularly mentioned by the Turkish Cypriot press and yesterday an extensive report was published in the newspaper "Liberal" titled: "Feverishly excavating Salamis - New major finds from the illegal excavations."
Excavations at the archaeological site of occupied Salamis first began in 1998. The current excavations, says the report, have revealed the city's extensive Roman baths. Earlier excavations, carried out in 2001, brought to light a Roman-era road, three kilometres in length, which was fully excavated and which runs in an east-west direction from the main city gate to the old harbour. North of the road, excavations of a small hillock have also revealed two smaller roads, one of which leads to the baths and the other to the gymnasium and amphitheatre.
Another important discovery, mentioned by the report, is evidence suggesting that the city's northern gate had been sealed-up, presumably during the Arab invasions. Two Corinthian columns, in near perfect condition, were also found in the area behind the sealed gate.
In 2003, work continued on the south side of the Roman road where the residential area of the ancient city was located. During the excavations carried out last year, three large statues, over two metres in height and dating to the 2nd century BC., were discovered in the area of the Roman baths. It is thought that one of these statues depicts a Roman emperor, while a second seems to portray the God Hades. The third statue is that of the goddess Persephone. Two other fragmentary statues. identified as Satyres. were also found in the same vicinity.
The illegal excavations at ancient Salamis have been strongly criticized by the international archaeological community. According to the International Hague Convention, signed by both Cyprus and Turkey, any archaeological work in lands under foreign occupation is strictly prohibited.
The Cypriot Foreign Ministry has registered a formal complaint to UNESCO, the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
Source: ANA-MPA [August 17, 2011]
The illegal excavations at Salamis are regularly mentioned by the Turkish Cypriot press and yesterday an extensive report was published in the newspaper "Liberal" titled: "Feverishly excavating Salamis - New major finds from the illegal excavations."
Excavations at the archaeological site of occupied Salamis first began in 1998. The current excavations, says the report, have revealed the city's extensive Roman baths. Earlier excavations, carried out in 2001, brought to light a Roman-era road, three kilometres in length, which was fully excavated and which runs in an east-west direction from the main city gate to the old harbour. North of the road, excavations of a small hillock have also revealed two smaller roads, one of which leads to the baths and the other to the gymnasium and amphitheatre.
Another important discovery, mentioned by the report, is evidence suggesting that the city's northern gate had been sealed-up, presumably during the Arab invasions. Two Corinthian columns, in near perfect condition, were also found in the area behind the sealed gate.
In 2003, work continued on the south side of the Roman road where the residential area of the ancient city was located. During the excavations carried out last year, three large statues, over two metres in height and dating to the 2nd century BC., were discovered in the area of the Roman baths. It is thought that one of these statues depicts a Roman emperor, while a second seems to portray the God Hades. The third statue is that of the goddess Persephone. Two other fragmentary statues. identified as Satyres. were also found in the same vicinity.
The illegal excavations at ancient Salamis have been strongly criticized by the international archaeological community. According to the International Hague Convention, signed by both Cyprus and Turkey, any archaeological work in lands under foreign occupation is strictly prohibited.
The Cypriot Foreign Ministry has registered a formal complaint to UNESCO, the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
Source: ANA-MPA [August 17, 2011]