Large ancient pots found

PAPHOS - Numerous fragments of very large pithoi which can be dated in the 1^st century BC, were unearthed during excavations at Geronissos island, just off the coast of Ayios Yeorgios in Paphos.

The Antiquities Department said Thursday the excavations of the New York University at Geronissos island have been completed .

The department said that the pithoi, which were probably used to store olive oil, are among the largest storage vessels found to date in Cyprus.

“The discovery of this storage facility represents an important breakthrough in our understanding of the experience of ancient pilgrims on Geronissos and the ritual dining that seems to have taken place within the complex of rooms in the central south sector of the island,” said the department.

A number of broken architectural pieces were also recovered, including what may be the remains of a stone lion’s head, waterspout very similar to the one that was unearthened on Geronisos in 1994.

Traces of the lion’s sculptured mane are preserved along with moulding of what appears to be a cornice or gutter.

Source: The Cyprus Weekly