On the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, archaeologists have unearthed a temple believed to be 4,000 years old, which features a mysterious monolith. The remains of the sacred space were identified at the archaeological site of Erimi.
The prehistoric
settlement of Erimi is located in south-central Cyprus more than 300 feet above
sea level, on a limestone terrace. Cyprus is located in the eastern
Mediterranean Sea, and serves as a crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia.
Around 2000-1600 BC, in
what’s known as the Middle Bronze Age, a community settled on the Erimi hill.
In this Bronze Age community, scientists discovered a room in which they found
a monolith measuring more than 7 feet in height. The monolith is completely
smooth and features a motif in the center.
The monolith, which had
stood in the center of the room, had collapsed onto the floor and destroyed a
large amphora placed at its feet. An amphora is a type of container with a
pointed bottom. Its characteristic form dates back to prehistoric times.
Peculiarities of this
room indicate it is a sacred space. It is believed that the activity that
supported the community economically also involved its members ideologically
and symbolically. This small sacred space in Erimi is the oldest example known
on the island.
I wish the article had
included a rendering of the motif on the monolith. It’s always exciting to get
a glimpse of what was considered important and special to people from another
age.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/archaeologists-discover-mysterious-monolith-in-4-000-year-old-temple/ar-BB1pKQPq?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=5a6a04505124448aa6c13993dfb41141&ei=50
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