According to a statement from the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, archaeologists who excavated a huge ancient mound on
The large mound known as Laona Mound is longerfootball field, its dimensions are 100x60 m. It was built around the 3rd century BC. e. During this time, Alexander the Great's successors fought for control of Cyprus and vast areas of the empire. Over the past decade, researchers have gradually excavated and digitally documented the structure of the mound. But now archaeologists have learned that it was built on top of a rampart that is even older than the mound, dating back to the early 5th century BC. e.
Mound in Cyprus. Photo: Department of Antiquities Cyprus
Ancient people "buried" the fortress wall under 13700 m³ of loose soil with sand, silt and clay, which was obviously brought from other places in Cyprus for the construction of the mound. Thus, the fortress of Laon is well preserved. Thus, the height of the north-eastern corner is 6 m, which makes it one of the most significant monuments of the “epoch of the Cypriot kingdoms”. In 2021, scientists published a study of the mound in the journal Geoarchaeology, describing it as a "perfect architectural structure" built in several stages.
Fortress under the mound. Photo: Department of Antiquities Cyprus
The mound is located 1 km northeast ofSanctuary of Aphrodite, an ancient site dating back to the 12th century BC. e. Locals considered it a natural hill, the scientists explain. However, it was finally identified as an artificial embankment in 2011.
The newly discovered shaft is attributed toroyal dynasty that ruled Paphos until the end of the 4th century BC. e. Archaeologists report that the wall is functionally similar and corresponds to the same timeline as the palace and workshop complexes in the citadel of Hadjiabdullah, which are only 70m from Laona.
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