Description of the attraction
Just two dozen kilometers southwest of Nicosia, you can see the ruins of the ancient city-state of Tamassos, which was once a fairly significant administrative unit of Cyprus.
Scientists have not yet managed to find out anything specific about the history of Tamassos. About him, however, is said in Homer's poem "The Odyssey", which is the oldest mention of this city. In addition, information about Tamassos can also be found in the annals of the Assyrian king Assarhadon.
The very first settlement at this place appeared in the Eneolithic era, as evidenced by the burials and various objects found during excavations. It is believed that it was originally a small village of farmers, which after some time turned into a large city thanks to the opening of copper mines there. Copper later became the main wealth of Tamassos, the trade of which was the basis of its economy. And by the X century, after the depletion of the mines, the city gradually fell into decay.
No full-scale excavations were carried out at the site where this settlement was once located, as today the villages of Politiko, Episkopio and Pera are located there. However, even thanks to the few studies that were still possible to carry out, valuable artifacts were found that allow you to learn more about the history of Tamassos. For example, royal tombs, city fortifications, works of art, installations and tools for processing copper, and much more were discovered. But the most significant finds were temples dedicated to Cybele (mother of the gods) and Aphrodite. The necropolis of Tamassos was located not far from the latter.
Every year, the Tamassos Cultural Association, established at the end of the last century, organizes a wonderful festival "Tamassia" for local residents and tourists, the main purpose of which is to draw attention to the cultural heritage of this region.
