A new archaeological discovery in the Akamas Peninsula is changing the narrative of Cyprus’s early prehistory. It is also expected to play a key role in guiding how development projects in the area are carried out, ensuring that both sustainability and respect for the region’s cultural and natural heritage are maintained.

According to the Department of Antiquities, the recent completion of an excavation at the archaeological site of Drouseia-Skloinikia in the northwestern part of Akamas—conducted by the University of Cyprus—has uncovered significant findings that challenge the prevailing notion of Akamas as a culturally marginal area during the island’s early prehistoric periods.

The 2024 research campaign by the University of Cyprus adds fresh insights to the study of Cypriot prehistory and raises new questions that future investigations will need to explore.

The location of the archaeological site—within an area currently undergoing major development projects—makes it crucial for stakeholders to be informed about how such projects can proceed sustainably and with full respect for the local environment and cultural history.

The excavation, conducted in autumn 2024, was led by Dr. Theodora Moutsiou (University of Cyprus) and Dr. Christian Reepmeyer (German Archaeological Institute), as part of the research program MIGRATE (EXCELLENCE/0421/0050), co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund. The project also received support from the A.G. Leventis Foundation through Project TOPOS.

Work began with a geophysical survey of 1,720 sq.m. overseen by Professor Apostolos Sarris, which guided the excavation strategy. Five trenches were then excavated to a depth of up to 60 cm.

This year’s excavation yielded hundreds of stone artifacts with techno-typological features dating to the end of the Pleistocene–Early Holocene (12,000–8,000 years ago). One particularly noteworthy in situ find likely indicates hunting activity in the area. Several charcoal samples were also collected and are being prepared for dating abroad, which is expected to determine the site’s precise age.

Overall, a rich collection of archaeological material was recovered during the excavation, including stone tools, stone vessels, beads, shells, and bones. All items have been geo-referenced, and specialists are currently studying the different categories of material to determine their characteristics.