Tombs of the Kings (Paphos)
The Royal Tombs of Nea Paphos are located directly on the west coast of Cyprus between Paphos and Kato Ktima. The designation is incorrect, for the time of the Ptolemies ( 294-58 BC), under whose rule the island was at the time when the graves, no longer existed, the city-kingdoms of Cyprus. Probably originating from the 3rd century BC, they testify to the prosperity of itself indicative of Egyptian originals residents.
Architecturally, however, the necropolis shows Greek forms. Stage Dromoi lead in atrium -like Peristyle. Inputs lead from the peristyle into atria, from which emanates a system of individual or into each other walking grave chambers. The tombs were designed for multiple burials. The rectangular pillar or Doric columns, carved from solid rock, put the top on in a horizontal entablature ungegliedertem or an architrave. In the rock -cut metope frieze triglyph forms the upper part. The recess in the rock above the entablature must be regarded as a support of the former cover.
From the type of Peristylgräber differs in addition to the partially above-ground chamber grave near the entrance, especially the grave lying beyond the center of the energy system. It stands as a powerful block carved into the rock in the middle of a courtyard and has more clearer than the Peristylgräber on the " Mustafa Pasha Necropolis " in Alexandria. So far unique in Cyprus is the burial complex discovered in 1983 in the north of the necropolis. Here opens a 20-meter Stufendromos in the peristyle. Like some other features of this grave of a rich stucco decoration. A reference to Alexandria was also adopted here, although Macedonian tombs were the models. These chambers were probably robbed already in Roman times. Traces of crosses suggest a re-use in early Christian times. The discovery of a medieval pottery kiln has a functional purpose.
In 1980, the ruins of Paphos UNESCO declared World Heritage Site.