**Excavations at Kissonerga Uncover One of Cyprus’ Oldest Bronze Age Settlements**
Kissonerga, Cyprus – Recent archaeological excavations at the Skalia site in Kissonerga have revealed significant findings from one of Cyprus' oldest and longest-inhabited Bronze Age settlements. The work, conducted by a team from the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI) in collaboration with the HARP project, has been led by Dr. Lindy Crewe.
The Skalia site is believed to have been continuously occupied for nearly 800 years, from approximately 2500 BC to 1650 BC. The ongoing excavations have provided new insights into the development of the settlement, further establishing its historical significance. Among the notable discoveries is evidence supporting the existence of one of the world’s oldest breweries, indicating that beer played a crucial role in the social and ritual practices of the inhabitants around 4,000 years ago.
The Akamas municipality announced these findings on Saturday, highlighting the importance of the site in understanding the cultural and historical context of the region. The excavation team has been diligently working to uncover artifacts and structures that shed light on the daily lives of the Bronze Age community.
To commemorate the conclusion of this year’s excavation season, Akamas municipal councillor Neophytos Constantinou visited the site to meet with the archaeological team. During his visit, he expressed gratitude to Dr. Crewe, the researchers, and the students involved in the project. He also acknowledged the support of the Akamas school board, which has been hosting the team during their work.
“It is particularly important to support efforts such as these, which highlight the history of Kissonerga and help preserve our cultural heritage,” Constantinou stated, emphasizing the value of archaeological research in fostering a deeper understanding of the area’s past.
The discoveries at the Skalia site not only contribute to the historical narrative of Kissonerga but also enhance the broader understanding of Bronze Age civilization in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. As excavations continue, archaeologists hope to uncover more artifacts that will further illuminate the lives of the people who inhabited this significant settlement.
The findings from the Skalia site are expected to attract interest from both scholars and the public, as they provide a tangible connection to the ancient past and the cultural practices of early Cypriots. The ongoing research and excavations at Kissonerga underscore the importance of preserving archaeological sites and the knowledge they hold for future generations.