Cities and Sights of North Cyprus - Salamis
The ancient city of Salamis is the most important archaeological site on Cyprus. Situated about 5 miles north of Famagusta between the main road and a superb beach Salamis is scattered over a large area. The site is huge, and even a quick look around will take half a day.
Salamis was reputed to have been founded in the twelfth century by the Trojan war hero Teucer following his exile from the island of Salamis by his father King Telamon. It became one of the 10 great city-states of Cyprus and was probably the main commercial centre for the island.
The city aided Alexander the Great in his fight to throw off the Persian yoke, and was rewarded with his favour, becoming the de facto capital of the island over Pafos.
The city's importance continued throughout the Roman period, continuing to be the trading capital for Cyprus, although Pafos was the designated capital.
Salamis also figured largely in the coming of Christianity to Cyprus. St Barnabas was a native of Salamis, and preached in the city until he was martyred by the local Jews in 75AD. In the Jewish revolts that took place some 40 years later it was reported that the whole gentile population of the city were massacred by the Jews. This prompted the Romans to expel all the Jews from the island, and to forbid them residence thereafter.
In the middle of the 4th century Salamis was devastated by an earthquake. It was rebuilt by the Byzantine Emperor, Constantius II and continued until in the 6th century further natural disasters, constant Arab pirate raids and the silting up of the harbour led to its abandonment.
The site had only partially been excavated through the 1950's and 60's with all work ceasing after 1974. Many of the ruins have still to be recovered from the sand.
The ruins that have been uncovered are spectacular. The marble lined baths, the colonnaded gymnasium and the 15,000 seat amphitheatre were the heart of ancient Salamis. Throughout the site are numerous other carvings, mosaics and statuary. There is a complete Roman villa that has been excavated, and the communal latrines with sophisticated plumbing are not to be missed!
Amphitheatre at Salamis
T
he Gymnasium
The
Baths