Archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services have recently rediscovered more than forty archaeological sites within the Dhekelia Sovereign base in Cyprus that were previously lost to history.

A small part of the celebrated Hellenistic tomb complex near Paphos, Tomb of the Kings. Credit: ULAS, University of Leicester

This survey, licensed by Cyprus’ Department of Antiquities and supported by the Ministry of Defence, aimed to relocate sites initially documented in the 1960s before being lost over subsequent decades due to development and inadequate mapping.

This rediscovery sheds light on the island’s rich cultural heritage, dating back potentially to the Bronze Age. The team conducted a meticulous ‘walkover survey’ of the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) at Dhekelia, aiming to relocate sites documented in the 1960s but lost due to subsequent development.

The Dhekelia Sovereign base, situated on the south coast of Cyprus, covers a diverse terrain, including limestone cliffs, hills, and plateaus. The survey, led by Matt Beamish, utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to document visible archaeological remains systematically. Through ground inspection and GPS recording, the team identified 51 sites, including ancient quarries and tombs spanning from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.

Slab quarrying near Xylophagou anchorage. Credit: ULAS, University of Leicester

Particularly noteworthy were coastal quarries and extensive rock-cut tombs, some of which showed signs of looting and misuse. Despite the challenges posed by incomplete archive information and past development, the survey successfully located historically significant sites.

Matt Beamish said: “Our GIS and survey methods had worked well when used for a similar survey of the Akrotiri peninsula in 2019. Many of the sites we were planning to survey had been last visited over 20 years ago, and in many instances had been reported as no longer existing or being unfindable.”

Alex Sotheran, Archaeology Advisor at the DIO, praised the survey’s outcomes, emphasizing their significance for the management of heritage ᴀssets within the Sovereign Base Administration Area. David Reynolds, Environmental Advisor (Cyprus) at the DIO, expressed graтιтude to the Republic of Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Sovereign Base Area Office for their support in facilitating the survey.

The data generated from the survey has been incorporated into the DIO’s Historic Buildings, Sites, and Monuments Record, contributing to the protection of the historic environment across military estates. Additionally, a Protocol for Collaboration between British Forces Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus Department of Antiquities ensures active consideration of archaeological remains during military activities and infrastructure projects.