Archaeological Investigations at Palaepaphos 2008
In 2008 the University of Cyprus undertook the third and final excavation season on top of the Marcello plateau. The 2008 fieldwork continued the excavation of the monumental rampart that was revealed during the two previous seasons in 2006 and 2007. The segment of the Marcello fortification revealed by the University of Cyprus during the three excavation seasons at the site spans 52m. in length. The maximum width of the wall exceeds 3.5m, and is constructed of solid stonework. The fortification wall brought to light by the University of Cyprus is in full alignment to the axis of the Marcello rampart excavated by the British Mission during the 1950s.
During the 2008 archaeological season, the team fully revealed the monumental gate and the rectangular tower. The tower was constructed using large ashlar blocks with drafted margins at the corners. Along the southern side of the fortification wall runs a channel, extending ca. 20-30cm. An additional wall, measuring ca. 1.5m. in width was excavated on the other side of the channel. This smaller wall follows the same alignment to the large rampart, perhaps to provide added strength to the acropolis. The rampart cuts a corner at the edge of the Marcello hill and turns towards the north/north-west.
The Marcello rampart is currently adequately protected under a layer of mud-bricks, as was suggested to the Director of Antiquities. This medium-term protection measure was implemented by the Curator of Monuments, and Chief Conservator, Eleni Loizidou. Following the excavations of the University of Cyprus on top of the Marcello plateau, and the exposure of the extensive defensive measures at the site, the Department of Antiquities successfully expropriated the two plots in which the fortification wall extends.
Team 2008
Anna Satraki
Last Updated on July 8, 2024