Bronze Age tombs with luxury imported goods found in Cyprus

"Two Bronze Age chamber tombs containing luxury goods have been discovered in Larnaca on the south coast of Cyprus. The objects were imported from all over the Mediterranean and illustrates the relationships between the elite families and the trade networks of the ancient city. The ancient city of Dromolaxia-Vyzakia, also known as Hala Sultan Tekke after a nearby mosque, was founded around 1650 B.C."

"The ancient city of Dromolaxia-Vyzakia, also known as Hala Sultan Tekke after a nearby mosque, was founded around 1650 B.C. on the shore of Larnaca Salt Lake, which at that time was open to the Mediterranean. The city flourished as producer of copper, reaching its greatest extent in the 12th century B.C. with a population of 11,000. Metalworkers sourced raw materials locally from the Troodos Mountains and then exported the processed copper via shipping in the city's protected harbor."

"The tombs yielded a wealth of artefacts, including finely crafted local pottery, tools, and personal adornments. Of particular importance is the impressive range of imported goods, which attest to Hala Sultan Tekke's active participation in long-distance trade networks. Luxury ceramics arrived from the Greek mainland (predominantly Berbati and Tiryns), Crete and other Aegean islands, while Egypt contributed objects made of ivory and high-quality calcite (alabaster) vessels."

Two chamber tombs dating to the 14th century B.C. were excavated in the extraurban cemetery near ancient Dromolaxia-Vyzakia (Hala Sultan Tekke) in Larnaca. Ceilings had collapsed in antiquity, damaging some grave goods, but many artefacts survived, including local pottery, tools, and personal adornments. A wide array of imported luxury items demonstrates active long-distance trade: ceramics from the Greek mainland, Crete and Aegean islands; Egyptian ivory and calcite (alabaster) vessels; lapis lazuli from Afghanistan; carnelian from India; and Baltic amber. The finds reflect elite consumption, copper production, and maritime trade networks centered on the city’s harbor before its destruction around 1150 B.C.

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