Choirokoitia Cyprus – Neolithic Heritage & Archaeological Insights

Choirokoitia Cyprus stands as a testament to the island’s rich Neolithic heritage, offering invaluable insights into early human settlement and societal development.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Larnaca District, is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean.

In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we delve into the origins, structure, and legacy of Choirokoitia, providing a comprehensive understanding of its historical importance.

Explore Choirokoitia Cyprus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Historical Overview

Choirokoitia, also known as Khirokitia, dates back to the 7th millennium BC and was inhabited until the 4th millennium BC. The settlement represents the Aceramic Neolithic period in Cyprus, characterized by the absence of pottery. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was established by settlers from the Near East, who introduced farming and animal domestication to the island.

Settlement Structure and Architecture

The village was strategically located on the slopes of a hill near the Maroni River, approximately 6 km from the southern coast of Cyprus. It was fortified with a substantial stone wall, indicating a need for communal protection. Within the settlement, circular houses constructed from mudbrick and stone featured flat roofs and were organized around small courtyards. These structures served both residential and ritualistic purposes, as evidenced by the burial of the dead beneath the floors of the houses

Societal Organization and Culture

The inhabitants of Choirokoitia practiced agriculture, cultivating crops such as wheat and barley, and rearing animals like sheep, goats, and pigs. Hunting and foraging supplemented their diet. The discovery of anthropomorphic figurines and complex burial practices indicates a society with spiritual beliefs and rituals. The architectural planning and communal efforts required for constructing the settlement’s fortifications reflect a well-organized social structure.

Abandonment and Legacy

Around 6000 BC, Choirokoitia was abruptly abandoned for reasons that remain unclear. The site remained uninhabited for approximately 1,500 years until new settlers arrived during the Sotira culture period. Today, Choirokoitia is recognized for its exceptional preservation and provides critical insights into early human societies in the region.

Visit Choirokoitia with Sancytours

Some short informations about your tour

Pick-Up about 9:00 to 9:15 at your hotel, depending where you´re staying

Please bring your passport with you and comfortable shoes

Tour Highlights:

– Private visit to Choirokoitia, a Neolithic World Heritage Site
– See excavated ruins and reconstructed stone dwellings
– Learn about prehistoric life, burial rituals, and community building
– Gentle hillside walk through a peaceful landscape
– Ideal for archaeology lovers & cultural explorers
– Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
– Guide available in English or German

 

Tags:
ancient cyprus sites, choirokoitia cyprus, choirokoitia history, choirokoitia unesco, cyprus archaeology, cyprus heritage, khirokitia, neolithic architecture cyprus, Neolithic settlement Cyprus, prehistoric cyprus