An intact skeleton was discovered protruding from the side of a cliff in Cyprus, a small Mediterranean island. Researchers believe the skeleton could date to the fourth century and is one of the oldest inhabitants found on the island. The discovery is reminiscent of three skeletons uncovered in the 1980s that were likely victims of a strong earthquake in 365 B.C.
The news is so fascinating because Cyprus has such strong connections to the ancient world. The patron goddess of the island was the Phoenician Astarte, later known by the Greeks as Aphrodite. Evidence suggests the cult that followed the goddess, Astarte, was by the far the most central and powerful religious group during ancient times. Amulets suggest other gods such as Anat, Baal, Hathor, and Ptah were honored as well.
The island was heavily influenced by Egyptian culture due to a brief period of domination under Pharaoh Amasis. The Egyptian influence was quickly done away with in as the people fell under sway of the Greeks. Evidence from uncovered statues, amulets and pottery that Cyprus was heavily influenced by Crete and Persia as well. In essence, Cyprus was the "melding pot" of the ancient world, much as America is in current times.
Try these books on the subject:
Ancient Cyprus: 7,000 Years of Art and Archeology / Bassos Karageorghis
Cyprus/ Mary Virginia Fox
Cyprus/ Michael Spilling
Freedom Trap/ Robert Elmer
Small Wars: a novel/ Sadie Jones
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