Ancient Salamis, Famagusta : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the ancient Greek city of Salamis located in the Cypriot city of Famagusta on the north-eastern coast of Cyprus. Salamis is not only the site of significant historical events, but also an important archaeological site due to its remains. Salamis’ history has been intertwined with that of the Mediterranean region for centuries and here you can discover unique and interesting facts about this ancient city. Discover how it has impacted the world, where to find it, and its unique cultural and archaeological significance in this fascinating travel guide. You can even explore some stunning places to visit while taking in the city’s fascinating atmosphere. So, join us on a journey to ancient Salamis for a history-rich trip!

Interesting Facts About Ancient Salamis, Famagusta

1. Salamis was once a major maritime power in the Eastern Mediterranean, controlling a large part of the bustling ancient economy.

2. Salamis was home to many famous Greek philosophers including Aristotle, Herophilus and Hipparchus.

3. The city was renowned for its grand architecture, including an extensive architectural complex of temples and tombs.

4. The Ancients believed a powerful goddess, Aphrodite, was enshrined in the city.

5. During the Persian invasion, the city was destroyed but later rebuilt by Alexander the Great and became the most influential Greek city of the region.

6. In 60 BC, the city was annexed to the Roman Empire and renamed Famagusta.

7. It was once one of the walled Crusader cities and resisted rule of the Venetian Republic until the Ottoman Empire conquered it in 1570.

8. The city became a major centre of international trade, especially in cotton and silk, for the Ottoman Empire.

9. In the 19th century, Famagusta was one of the most important commercial hubs and ports in the Eastern Mediterranean.

10. Its beautiful Venetian architecture from the Middle Ages is still in existence today and is a popular attraction for tourists.

• Ancient Kourion, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Ancient Salamis, Famagusta

Salamis is an ancient Greek city located in modern-day Famagusta, Cyprus. It is largely credited as the place where the Greco-Persian Wars began in 499 BCE. It is believed to have been founded in 11th century BCE by Greeks from the island of Rhodes and was originally known as Kition. The city was at its peak in the 5th century BCE and was the largest city on the eastern Mediterranean coast. At the time, it was known as the “most wealthy city in the region”.

In 333 BCE, Salamis was conquered by the Macedonian King Alexander the Great. After his death, the city became part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. During the Hellenistic period, it prospered and became one of the main cities of the island. It was then conquered by the Romans in 58 BCE, who called it Salaminae.

In 630 CE, the city was conquered by the Arabs and renamed “Famagusta”. In 1271, it was taken over by the Lusignan king of Jerusalem, who changed its name to “Venice of Cyprus”. The city remained relatively prosperous until the Ottoman conquest of 1571, after which it was used as a base for raids by Barbary pirates. In 1878, Famagusta became part of the British Empire and the city’s buildings were used as military barracks.

Today, the ancient city remains part of the modern city of Famagusta, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although much of the city is in ruins, it is still full of fascinating monuments and historical buildings that are worth seeing. These include the 13th century Lusignan Cathedral, the Venetian walls, and the ancient port area.

• Ancient Amathus, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Ancient Amathus, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Ancient Salamis, Famagusta

1. Famagusta Old Town: The old town of Famagusta is located in the historic city center and holds many interesting remnants of the city’s past. There are a number of impressive Venetian buildings, monuments and churches, as well as traditional souks and bazaars.

2. St. Nicholas Cathedral: Situated in the middle of the old town, St. Nicholas Cathedral was originally constructed by the Lusignans in the 13th century. In addition to the remarkable Romanesque arches and columns, it is also home to the spooky story of a blind beggar who was said to have come periodically to clean the King’s tomb with its miraculous waters.

3. The Kyrenia Gate: The only remaining gate to the walled old city, the Kyrenia Gate was built in 1567 by the Venetians. It is highly ornate, but its most interesting feature is the coat of arms of the Venetian Republic that stands at the centre of the arch.

4. St. Barnabas Monastery: One of the most important pilgrimage sites in the eastern Mediterranean, St. Barnabas Monastery is the burial site of St. Barnabas, the founder of the Cypriot Church. It is also the home of a number of important religious artefacts.

5. Ancient Salamis: One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Ancient Salamis dates back 3,000 years. The ruins of the city once contained a breathtaking amphitheatre, a temple dedicated to Zeus and a number of fine mosaic floors.

• Ancient Idalion, Dali : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Ancient Amathus, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Yeroskipou : Interesting Facts, History & Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Ancient Salamis, Famagusta

Q1: Where is Ancient Salamis?

A1: Ancient Salamis is located on the Eastern Mediterranean coast of the island of Cyprus, near the city of Famagusta.

Q2: What is the history of Ancient Salamis?

A2: Ancient Salamis was first established in the 11th century BC, and is believed to be the oldest of the ancient Greek cities of Cyprus. It was an important center in the Hellenistic period, and was heavily fortified by the Romans during the First and Second Punic Wars.

Q3: What are the ruins of Ancient Salamis?

A3: The ruins of Ancient Salamis include a number of temples, a theatre, and a fortification wall. There are also remains of public baths, an aqueduct, and the ruins of a Roman basilica.

Q4: What is the current status of Ancient Salamis?

A4: The ruins of Ancient Salamis are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and are open to the public.

• Ancient Amathus, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Ancient Amathus, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Agios Lazaros Byzantine Museum, Larnaca : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide