Excavations at Late Bronze Age Erimi-Pitharka, Cyprus
World Archaeology Seminars
»Excavations at Late Bronze Age Erimi-Pitharka, Cyprus«
Laerke Recht | Institute of Classics, University of Graz
The site of Erimi-Pitharka is located in the Kouris Valley of south-central Cyprus, only about 4 km south of the well-known locality of Alassa. It was occupied in the later part of the Late Bronze Age (LC IIC - LC IIIA, c. 1300-1150 BCE) and seemingly peacefully abandoned towards the end of the period. Pitharka was subject to rescue excavations by the Department of Antiquities, Cyprus in 2007-2012, where work in four different areas of the site uncovered large buildings, terrace walls and several workshop areas. At the topological high point of the site, part of a large complex was found. New excavations by University of Graz and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw since 2022 have continued work precisely in this area. This has demonstrated that the complex continues both to the north and to the east of the previous excavation, with a sequence of interior and exterior spaces, use of semi-subterranean architecture and installations, and a focus on storage and production. The large number of pithos and Plain White ware sherds and vessel further indicates the role of Pitharka as a regional centre specialising in agricultural produce. This lecture will present the results of these recent excavations at Erimi-Pitharka.