Tomb V. Atrium
Hellenistic period (3rd—1st centuries BCE).
Cyprus.
Paphos, Tombs of the Kings

Tomb V. Atrium.

Hellenistic period (3rd—1st centuries BCE).
Cyprus.

Paphos, Tombs of the Kings.

Description:
It is one of the largest tombs which has been excavated on the Island so far. It consists of a monumental stepped dromos, 7,40 metres long and 2,80 metres wide, ending in an arch-shaped covered entrance. A cippus is carved on the north section of the dromos and below it is a burial niche. The archway forms a right angle and turns into the portico, which is supported by 12 massive pillars surrounding the atrium. Both the atrium and the portico form a square of 14.80 metres on each side. Opposite the entrance, at the southern side, is a large chamber. On all the other sides small burial niches and loculi are dug out of the rock. This tomb complex covers an area of 390 sq., metres and its depth beneath the surface of the rock is 5 metres.

The west portico collapsed at some time before the Middle Ages. In its southwest corner, a large Medieval pottery kiln with ventilation system was built. The space between the pillars of the southern portico was built up, forming a squatters dwelling in combination with the large chamber. The mark of the cross, carved in several places, and the initial study of the pottery, give evidence that the tomb was used from the Hellenistic period down to Medieval times. The latest use of the tomb was as an animal shelter. All the burials were looted and the excavators found only a few clay lamps and broken pottery. The well was found in the middle of the atrium, something unusual as, in all other cases, the well was located under one of the porticoes.

Credits:
© 1982 Photo, text: Hadjisavva M. “The Tombs of the Kings. A Colour Guide with an Introduction to Ancient Paphos”. P. 9, 12—13.
Keywords: αρχιτεκτονική architectura architecture architettura architektur ελλάδα graecia greece greek grecia greca greco greche griechenland griechische griechisches grèce grecque grecquesё tombs of the kings rock cut chamber tomb burial pilaster pilasters column columns portico atrium type