Press Releases

The Department of Antiquities, Deputy Ministry of Culture, announces the completion of the 2024 excavations at the Chalcolithic settlement of Chlorakas-Palloures, which was carried out under the direction of Dr Bleda Düring, Professor at Leiden University.

The Palloures Project, during the 2024 season, has focussed on the excavation of a number of “burned round houses” dating to the Chalcolithic period between 3500-2500 BC. The “burned houses” are buildings with substantial ash deposits, including complete but collapsed vessels on their floors. They were carefully excavated and documented, using the best digital technologies available, in order to facilitate with the reconstruction of what happened and how these buildings caught fire (Fig.1).

The excavations at Chlorakas-Palloures have yielded several notable discoveries. The burial of a six-year-old child that suffered from a medical condition that affected the hand bones and was buried in an unusual position with the head facing down (Fig.2) is of great importance. Another interesting find that provides us with important information about the development of the earliest metallurgy on the island was the recovery of two copper objects, a pendant and a chisel (Fig.3).

Finally, a significant discovery at Palloures this year was the recovery of approximately 30 coprolites – fossilised animal excrement – which can inform us about the diet and health of the community who lived in Palloures 5000 years ago.

In summary, the Palloures excavations has opened new and exciting perspectives into the Chalcolithic life and period in Cyprus. 

Fig.1: Οne of the “burned buildings” excavated in the 2024 season.

Fig.2: Τhe burial of a six-year-old child.

Fig.3: Copper chisel found in the 2024 season at Chlorakas-Palloures.

 (NZ/GS)