An Unknown Roman Temple in Cyprus? Reading the Architectural Fragments from Latsithkia (District Limassol, Cyprus)

Abstract

Abstract

Although Classical Greek religious traditions were well established in Cyprus, Greek-style temples appear to have been relatively rare. Newly documented and analyzed architectural fragments from the Latsithkia area, preserved in the museums of Episkopi and Limassol, suggest that a previously unknown temple may have existed in the chora of Kourion (Cyprus). The aims of this article are to present the architectural fragments with their stylistic and structural analysis and to explore the potential identification and location of the building from which they may have originated, while emphasizing the tentative nature of the reconstruction and the need for further field investigation. Based on the material presented, it may be inferred that the architectural fragments from the Latsithkia area once adorned a temple-like structure dating to the end of the first century CE that was constructed at the site of their discovery. The potential identification of a Greek-style temple from the Early Roman period in Latsithkia calls for a reassessment of architectural developments in Cyprus, possibly suggesting new Roman investment in extra muros sanctuaries.