Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, Choirokoitia : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Are you looking for an incredibly unique travel destination? Then be sure to add Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlemen​t to your bucket list! Located in the Greek Cypriot village of Larnaca, this 6,000-year-old village is a well-preserved archaeological site made up of stone houses and temples. As one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, this site is worth checking out for anyone interested in ancient history. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, by exploring some fascinating facts, information, and travel guide. So, let’s dig in and discover more about this remarkable archaeological treasure!

Interesting Facts About Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, Choirokoitia

1. One of the earliest findings of the Choirokoitia settlement is an 8,000-year-old Nile tortoise fossil.

2. During the fifth millennium BC, the settlement is believed to have been an important trading hub in the area.

3. The importance of the settlement is reinforced by the fact that Cypriot copper was being imported into the Middle East, and some metals from Anatolia were probably also imported.

4. Over 100 grinding stones have been discovered at the site, suggesting a large agricultural effort.

5. One of the largest Neolithic settlements in the Mediterranean region, it was inhabited by a single community of farmers, herders, and potters.

6. The settlement was organized around a central courtyard, which was surrounded by houses as well as workshops for pottery and stone-tool production.

7. The settlement is unique for its lack of fortifications or defense works, suggesting a higher level of peaceful coexistence.

8. The people of Choirokoitia developed a unique culture and religion that incorporated elements of the cultures of both Mesopotamia and the Aegean.

9. Burials within the settlement demonstrate a reverence for Ancestor worship.

10. Archaeologists have uncovered a reservoir of fresh water in the center of the settlement, suggesting it was a premium resource.

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History & Information About Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, Choirokoitia

The Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, commonly known as Choirokoitia, is an archaeological site found near East Limassol, Cyprus. It is composed of a cluster of circular stone huts, which are believed to have first been used around 7,000 BC. This makes Choirokoitia one of the oldest, most significant Neolithic (or “New Stone Age”) settlements discovered in the long history of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Choirokoitia is one of the best examples of a typical Mediterranean littoral settlement from the Neolithic period, and it is the only settlement of its type remaining in Cyprus today that has been preserved and evaluated. It is an example of an ancient human built environment, and has been designated as a United Nations’ World Heritage Site, earning the title of World Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value by virtue of its outstanding preservation, as well as the remarkable value it holds as an archaeological site.

Choirokoitia was first discovered in 1928, during an excavation by Swedish archaeologist Niklas Ingvarsson. He and his team identified circles of stone-built huts, animal shelters, and stone tools that helped to paint a vivid picture of the lives of those who inhabited the area during that time. This is also the largest and most well-preserved of the Neolithic settlements that have been found in Cyprus.

Today, visitors to Choirokoitia can take a guided tour of the site, which includes the ruins of the huts and animal shelters, paths leading to surrounding springs, and acres of wild vegetation. It is an important reminder of the strength and ingenuity of the Neolithic inhabitants, and a tangible reminder of the tangible values of environmental sustainability that remain even today.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, Choirokoitia

, Cyprus

Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement is an amazing archaeological site located in the town of Choirokoitia, Cyprus. It was the first heritage site in Cyprus to be recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Status, and it is one of the oldest and most important prehistoric settlements in Cyprus. Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient settlement and learn about its fascinating history. Here is a visitor’s guide to Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement.

Getting There:

Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement is located in the picturesque rolling hills of Choirokoitia near the Kouris River in Southern Cyprus. Visitors can easily access the site via public transportation or by car. It is about a 30-minute drive from Limassol, the second largest town in Cyprus.

Things to See:

The site consists of seven round houses and defensive walls, which were built around 7000 BC. The houses feature stone foundations, clay walls, and timber roofs, and they are thought to represent the earliest permanent dwellings on the island. The defensive walls protect the site from predators and are made of stone blocks with sloping towers at each corner. A large rock carved with a bull is also located near the entrance, and is believed to represent a cultural deity.

Activities:

Visitors can take guided tours of the site to learn more about the site’s history and what life was like for the ancient settlers. The museum onsite provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the artifacts and historical objects found at the site.

Nearby Attractions:

Choirokoitia has plenty of other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Just a few miles away, visitors can explore the Byzantine Monastery of St John, which dates back to the 4th Century. The Kourion Archeological Site is also just a few kilometers away and boasts some of the most spectacular ruins in ancient Cyprus.

Shopping and Dining:

Near the Neolithic settlement, visitors can find plenty of charming local shops selling traditional items such as handcrafted pottery and local produce. There are also some great restaurants nearby for visitors to enjoy a meal.

Accommodation:

Accommodation near the Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement can be difficult to find due to the remote nature of the site. However, there is a hotel located nearby, as well as a few villas and bed and breakfasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, Choirokoitia

Q: Where is Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement located?
A: The Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement is located in the district of Larnaca on the island of Cyprus.

Q: What is the age of the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement?
A: The Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement is estimated to have been inhabited between 8200 BC and 4500 BC, making it one of the oldest known human settlements in Europe.

Q: What are the most important artifacts found in the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement?
A: Important artifacts found in the settlement include a unique painted plaster wall known as the Cypriote Wall Plaster, which was used as a decorative element in the construction of houses in the settlement. Other important artifacts found include tools and weapons crafted from animal bones and flint, pottery, and marble sculptures.

Q: How was Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement built?
A: The Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement was built by stacking up stone and mud blocks, and plastering the outside walls with a white plaster. The settlement was divided into sectors and circular houses were built in each sector. These houses were arranged around a central courtyard and were adjacent to one another, creating a kind of village.

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