The Problem of the Missing Harbour of Evagoras at Salamis, Cyprus: a review of the evidence and pointers to a solution

Abstract

This article summarises the archaeological evidence for the existence of Evagoras' naval harbour at Salamis in North Cyprus, which ancient texts credit him with building c.410–400 BC. Based on a critical examination of previous surveys and his own on‐site observations, the author concludes there is indicative evidence of a constructed harbour c.800-m long, which was divided into two basins by a stone jetty, separated from the city by a stone wall and with some evidence of ship‐sheds at its north end.

© 2012 The Author

Key words:

• Salamis
• Evagoras
• Cyprus
• trireme
• ship‐shed
• Classical harbour

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Ken Loome and Derek Say for their help on the beach at Salamis, and Bernard Mordan for his assistance with the graphics. This article could not have been written without the previous work carried out at Salamis and other ancient harbours by the archaeologists and surveyors mentioned in the text. My thanks are also particularly due to D. J. Blackman and N. C. Flemming who made some very useful comments and suggestions. The conclusions and any errors remain my own.