A new digital study has uncovered previously unknown ancient graffiti depicting ships at the Kition Kathari archaeological site in Larnaka, Cyprus. High-resolution 3D scans also revealed details missed in earlier studies, suggesting people carved images of ships at the site over several centuries rather than during a single period.
The research, led by Graham C. Braun, reexamined carvings on large stone blocks at Kition Kathari. The settlement became an important coastal center during the Late Bronze Age and maintained strong links with maritime networks across the eastern Mediterranean.
Researchers used terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry to examine the stone surfaces without touching them. The technology measured the depth and angle of faint cuts, allowing the team to distinguish deliberate carvings from cracks, erosion, and other damage.
Earlier archaeologists had documented 19 ship graffiti on the southern wall of a monumental structure known as Temple 1 and another two on an altar in Temple 4. The new investigation identified many more possible vessels.
3D technology exposes previously unseen ships
Researchers examined 43 ship graffiti in total. Of 23 potential ship images newly detected on the Temple 1 blocks, nine were classified with the highest level of confidence. Six received an intermediate rating, while eight remained uncertain. The scans also revealed previously overlooked features on known carvings. These included masts, rigging, yards, possible crow’s nests and distinctive features on the bows and sterns.
The ships fall into six broad groups. They include merchant vessels, galleys and hybrid ships that may have carried cargo while also supporting rowing or military activity. The variety fits a wider picture of Bronze Age Cyprus as a major Mediterranean trading center. Archaeological evidence has shown that Cyprus became an important trade hub because of its copper and strategic location.
Ancient Kition was particularly well positioned for maritime activity. Excavations at the Kition-Pampoula site have uncovered remains of boat sheds connected to Kition’s ancient harbor.
Carvings may span several centuries
One of the most important discoveries involves two ship images on a sandstone repair block beside an entrance to Temple 1. Archaeological evidence places the block after the Late Bronze Age, probably during the Early Iron Age. Its presence challenges the idea that the Temple 1 graffiti mainly belonged to the final stages of the Bronze Age.
Researchers instead argue that ships were probably carved repeatedly from the Late Bronze Age into the Early Iron Age. The tradition may have continued for as long as 300 years. That conclusion fits broader evidence that maritime traditions in Cyprus and the Levant survived major upheaval at the end of the Bronze Age.
Some carvings may even preserve changes in ship technology. Researchers identified different stages in the development of galley bows, including projections that eventually may have developed into effective rams.
Maritime images remained important at Kition
Most of the ships show links with Cypriot and Levantine vessel traditions. Others resemble ships known from the Aegean, including Crete. Researchers say the mixture reflects Kition’s place within interconnected Mediterranean maritime networks. Rows of small carved dots also appear near several vessels. Their purpose remains uncertain, but researchers suggest they may represent water, waves, or reflected light around the ships.
Who made the carvings is unknown. Sailors may have created them as offerings before voyages or in gratitude for safe returns. Another possibility is that local people carved ships they saw from Kition’s shore.
Whatever their exact purpose, researchers say the repeated images show that maritime life remained important to generations living at Kition. Their continued creation also suggests cultural traditions survived the major changes that accompanied the end of the Bronze Age.
The digital work has another benefit. The exposed stones continue to weather, making some carvings increasingly difficult to see. The 3D models now preserve those fading marks digitally while revealing a much richer record of ancient seafaring than archaeologists could previously see.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
