Archaeologists have made a breathtaking discovery on the island of Cyprus: a long-lost sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek god Apollo. This isn’t just any find; it’s a treasure trove of colossal statues, rare inscriptions, and artifacts that rewrite our understanding of this sacred site.
The Sanctuary of Apollo at Frangissa was initially discovered in the 19th century by German archaeologist Max Ohnefalsch-Richter. His excavation, however, was rushed, and he subsequently reburied the site, unintentionally losing it to history. Fast forward to 2021, when a renewed search finally located the forgotten sanctuary.
Recent excavations have yielded an astonishing array of artifacts. Hundreds of votive statues, some of truly colossal proportions, have been unearthed. These statues, along with their bases, reveal details previously unknown about the scale and grandeur of the sanctuary. The sheer size of some of the statues – particularly the discovery of larger-than-life feet – indicates the presence of colossal limestone figures previously only known in terracotta. The discovery also includes entirely new types of statues, adding a fascinating layer to our knowledge of ancient Cypriot art.
Beyond the statues, the team found inscriptions dating back nearly 2700 years. These inscriptions, written in both Cypro-Syllabic and Greek, provide invaluable insights into the sanctuary’s history and use. One inscription even references the Ptolemies, the Hellenistic rulers of Egypt who also controlled Cyprus, showing the sanctuary’s significance extended beyond the archaic period.
The architecture itself is equally impressive. Excavations reveal a large peristyle courtyard, likely used for banquets, indicating a significant expansion of the site during the later period of the Cypriot kingdoms. The team believes further investigation will reveal even more details about the rituals and daily life associated with this sacred place. This rediscovery promises to unlock a wealth of information about ancient religious practices and the cultural landscape of Cyprus.
This remarkable find is not only a testament to the persistence of archaeologists but also a powerful reminder of the rich and often hidden history waiting to be uncovered beneath our feet. The ongoing work at the Sanctuary of Apollo at Frangissa is sure to continue to yield exciting discoveries, bringing the rituals and practices of the past back to life.
