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
Choose your date and book now:
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Author: Jürgen Derichs am 7. Mai 2025 09:20, category: Infothek – Historical Sites, comments per feed RSS 2.0, comments closed.