Archaeologists in Cyprus have uncovered a massive Late Roman wall at the ancient city of Amathous that may have formed part of a defensive system protecting the summit of the acropolis.
The structure, discovered on the site’s Western Terrace, offers new evidence of efforts to fortify one of the island’s most important ancient urban centers during the Late Roman period.
Details of the defensive wall
The wall reaches up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in thickness and was built using large limestone ashlar blocks, smaller stones, and clay mortar. Excavation evidence shows that it underwent at least two construction phases, suggesting it remained an important feature of the acropolis over time.
Researchers also uncovered a floor surface associated with the wall, fallen architectural blocks, roof tiles, and mudbrick fragments from a collapsed structure. Together, the finds provide new insight into construction methods and defensive planning at Amathous during the final centuries of Roman rule.
The discoveries were made during the second excavation season of the French Archaeological Mission of Amathous, held from March 30 to April 24, 2026. The project is directed by Dr. Anna Cannavo and focuses on the Western Terrace of the Acropolis.
Expanded excavations reveal a substantial wall
The wall was first identified during excavations in 2025 following a geophysical survey conducted in 2024. During the 2026 season, archaeologists expanded Trench 1 and uncovered a much larger section of the structure.
The wall runs parallel to the natural edge of the terrace, with its southern section turning slightly toward the west. Its eastern face was constructed from large limestone ashlar blocks, while the interior was packed with smaller rough stones bonded with clay.
Researchers identified evidence for at least two building phases. The original wall measured about 135 centimeters (4.4 feet) in thickness. It was later strengthened by adding a second row of limestone blocks and filling the space between the two walls with stone rubble.
Foundations and associated floor date to the Late Roman period
A small trench excavated along the eastern side of the wall exposed its foundations and revealed a floor directly connected to the structure. Part of the floor was paved with reused roof tiles laid over a gravel bedding.
Excavation evidence indicates that both the wall and the floor date to the Late Roman period. East of the structure, archaeologists uncovered destruction deposits containing fallen ashlar blocks, roof tiles, and mudbrick fragments from the building’s upper portions.
Findings highlight the strategic importance of the Acropolis
A second excavation area, known as Trench 3, was opened at the northern end of the terrace. Although no architectural remains were found there, archaeologists recovered a rich collection of Iron Age artifacts, indicating earlier activity in the area.
Researchers believe the newly discovered wall formed part of a defensive system protecting the summit of the acropolis and the basilica that had replaced the sanctuary of Aphrodite, one of the most important religious centers in ancient Cyprus.
Future excavations will investigate the full extent of the fortification and determine whether the Late Roman remains were built over earlier structures, helping researchers better understand the long-term development of Amathous.
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