“Athienou Archaeological Project, 2001: the twelfth season of investigations at Athienou-Malloura, Cyprus,” American Journal of Archaeology 106 (2002): 236.

By

Michael K. Toumazou (Davidson College)

P. Nick Kardulias (College of Wooster )

Derek B. Counts (Tufts University)

Following a study season in the summer of 2000, AAP, sponsored by Davidson College and financed through a NSF-REU grant, conducted its 12th season of investigations at Athienou-Malloura between June 1st and July 21st. Our work involved some 40 individuals representing 17 U.S. and foreign institutions.

Recent extensive trenching through the Malloura valley by the Cyprus Department of Public Works for the laying of water pipes provided us with an opportunity to gain supplementary information on the geomorphology and human use of the valley. Three deeply buried chamber tombs were discovered and excavated in an area previously unsuspected to have contained burials. Though poor and architecturally unimpressive, they belong to an unknown cemetery separate from that along the E slope of Maghara Tepesi.

The rural sanctuary continued to be the main focus of our investigations. Excavation continued at basal levels in previously investigated areas (EUs 10 and 24). In the latter, several segments of Archaic walls built on bedrock and in alignment with previously identified walls were discovered. Two new areas (EUs 28 and 30) were opened up to the north in search of the elusive altar and the north peribolos of the temenos. EU 28 proved to be especially rich in finds but heavily disturbed by looters; several ashlar blocks, seemingly in situ, need to be investigated further. EU 30 is much less disturbed and promises to be productive during next year’s excavations. This year’s range of finds comprises fragmentary limestone statuary, terracotta figurines, ceramic vessels and lamps, limestone utensils, and coins. Some of the most noteworthy finds include a fine wreathed votary head (Classical), a bronze statuette arm, a helmeted terracotta warrior (Archaic) with shield slung on his back, and a ring bezel with a male figure and two (?) goats.

In terms of site preservation and consolidation several important tasks were undertaken: the sanctuary’s south peribolos was pointed; a large protective shelter was built over the two adjacent water cisterns excavated at Maghara Tepesi; and a wooden staircase was constructed providing easy access to T.27 whose original rock-cut stepped dromos was partially destroyed.