Khirokitia

Khirokitia, sometimes spelled Choirokoitia, is an archaeological site on the island of Cyprus dating from the Neolithic age. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998 and is known as one of the most important and best preserved prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean. Its importance lies in the evidence of an organised society in the form of a collective settlement, with surrounding fortifications for communal protection.

The settlement lay on the slope of a hill in the valley of the Maroni River, towards the southern coast, about 6 km (3.7 mi) from the sea. It was a closed village cut off from the outside world, apart from by the river, by a strong wall of stones 2.5 m (8.2 ft) thick and 3 m (9.8 ft) at its highest preserved level, probably entered through several points. Inside stood round structures huddled close together, called tholoi, between 2 and 9 m (6.6 and 29.5 ft) in diameter, grouped around unroofed courtyards that scholars believe represent family groups. Hearths, benches, windows and low walls and platforms marked work, rest and storage areas.

The inhabitants farmed wheat, barley, lentils, peas, horse bean and vetch, gathered olives, figs, pistachios, plums and pears, herded sheep, goats and pigs, and hunted deer. The population at any one time is thought not to have exceeded 300 to 600 inhabitants. On average adult men reached 35 years of age and women 33, and infant mortality was very high. The dead were buried in crouched positions just under the floors of the houses, sometimes with provision for offerings, possibly indicating a form of ancestor cult.

The site was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios, who carried out six excavations between 1934 and 1946. He initially believed the settlement was established around 4000 BC, but radiocarbon dating revealed a foundation date of around 7000 BC. Work in the early 1970s was interrupted by the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and a French mission under Alain Le Brun resumed excavation in 1977. The village was suddenly abandoned for unknown reasons around 6000 BC.

The origin of the name is debated. The dominating opinion links it to words for hog and for Kiti, suggesting a place where pigs were raised, while other proposals include an area where iron was found, a sacred place, or a link to the round huts. Old maps mark the village as Cherochetica or Chierochitia.

The site was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios, director of the Department of Antiquities who carried out six excavations between 1934 and 1946. His initial findings were published in The Journal of Hellenic Studies in 1934. Dikaios initially believed the settlement was established around 4000 BC. However, radiocarbon dating revealed a foundation date of around 7000 BC. Further excavations were then held in the early 1970s but were interrupted by the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. A French mission under the direction of Alain Le Brun resumed excavation of the site in 1977. It was occupied from the 7th until the 4th millennium BC.