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Corinthian columns at Salamis of Cyprus. Salamis was an ancient city-state on the east coast of Cyprus photo by George Groutas –

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Salamis Ancient City

The majority of tourists that come to Cyprus for vacation typically stay in the southern, Greek Cypriot region of this stunning island. But it’s less bustling, a quieter neighbour is also worth a trip.

The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, in particular, has several fascinating ancient locations, such as Bellapais Abbey, Kantara Castle, the Venetian harbour in Kyrenia, and the old walled city of Famagusta.

However, the ancient city of Salamis, which is located just north of Famagusta on the new coastal route and north of the dividing border between North and South Cyprus, is a must-see for any history traveller.

A mirror into the past of human society can be found in old cities. Although it is difficult to conceive, there have been prosperous towns in the past without the benefits and conveniences of modern technology.

Large cities were constructed with the meticulous design even before we had the infrastructure and technology we have today, and they have supported thriving cultures and expanding populations.

A city that was close to a large body of water frequently developed a magnificent port and benefited from imports and ships coming from all over the world. On the island of Cyprus, Salamis was one such city.

Here are the top 10 intriguing facts about the ancient city.

1. Salamis was founded around 1180 BC by Teucer (Teukros)

At the mouth of the Pedieos River, six kilometres north of the present-day city of Famagusta lies the ancient Greek city-state of Salamis on the east coast of Cyprus.

Legend states that Teucer, the son of Telamon, king of Salamis in the Greek Isles, founded Salamis. Telamon was prevented from returning home following the Trojan War since he had failed to avenge his brother Ajax.

However, there is some proof that the region had been inhabited before the claimed Mycenaean arrival (at Enkomi), and Salamis was established as a substitute after Enkomi was cut off from the sea. Otherwise, the foundation myth is only weakly supported by concrete evidence.

2. Salamis city was severely destroyed by an earthquake in 76 AD

Columns in Roman gymnasium, Salamis, Northern Cyprus photo by Michal Klajban –

After a devastating earthquake decimated the city in 76 AD, Trajan and Hadrian constructed the Gymnasium with its collonaded Palaestra.

This area of the site is the most monumental, but the columns’ sizes vary as a result of the Christians’ installation of new columns they had pulled from the Roman theatre during the second great earthquake in 331 AD.

The second most amazing sight is a theatre with 50 rows and a capacity of 15,000 people.

3. Salamis ancient city that served as the capital of Cyprus 

The ruins of Salamis, an ancient Greek city-state on the east coast of Cyprus photo by Ad Meskens –

As early as 1100 B.C., Salamis was thought to have served as the capital of Cyprus. It was regarded as a very significant port city and was situated on the eastern coast of the island of Cyprus.

Ships arrived from all over the world, making it a major hub of activity. Salamis was formerly the biggest city in Cyprus during the Roman era. It extended 0.6 miles inland and 2 kilometres (miles) down the coast.

It is thought that the city was originally restricted to a small area around the harbour, and gradually expanded, particularly from around 1100 BC, after the populated village of Tuzla, the trading centre of copper was abandoned following a massive earthquake and its inhabitants moved to Salamis.

4. Salamis ancient city was part of the province of Cilicia

Ancient Salamis Once a Roman City photo by Amanda Slater –

Salamis was a part of the Cilician province by the time of the Roman era, although Paphos replaced Salamis as the location of the Hellenistic capital of Cyprus.

The importance of Salamis, which the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian favoured, was not lessened by its loss of rank.

The Romans built new public buildings such as a theatre, amphitheatre, stadium, public baths, temples, and a sizable Roman agora in addition to restoring older ones.

5. Salamis ancient city was the island鈥檚 most important port city

At the mouth of the Pediaios River on Cyprus’ eastern side, the ancient city of Salamis formerly stood. Ships from the Middle East and Europe, particularly those from the Aegean, stopped here in antiquity, making it the island’s most important port city.

Even larger than Paphos, the administrative centre of Cyprus, Salamis was the greatest city on the island during the Roman era. The city extended about a mile (2 km) inland and a half mile along the shore (1 km).

6. Nicocreon was the last king of Salamis

Portrait of Nicocreon on a Stater. photo by Salamine (Chypre) –

Nicocreon was the last king of Salamis. He submitted to Alexander鈥檚 rule and after Alexander鈥檚 death, continued to cooperate with the subsequent Ptolemaic rulers, quelling uprisings in other Cypriot kingdoms.

What is clear is that despite Ptolemy’s rule over Salamis lasting until 58 BC, the city began to flounder after Nicocreon鈥檚 death.

7. Salamis was the first stop on Paul鈥檚 first missionary journey

Salamis is also believed to have been the first stop on Saint Paul鈥檚 first journey after heading out from Antioch of Syria, considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.

Salamis holds the distinction of being the first stop on Paul鈥檚 first missionary journey: 鈥淲hen they arrived at Salamis, [Paul and Barnabas] proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.

John was with them as their helper鈥� (Acts 13:5, NIV). Both the book of Acts, which refers to plural synagogues and Josephus indicate that there was a significant Jewish population there.

After preaching in Salamis, the missionaries travelled the length of the island on foot, until they reached Paphos.

8. It was the site of simultaneous land and sea battles 

Athens and the Persians engaged in simultaneous land and maritime combat at Salamis in 450 BC. (This should not be confused with the earlier Battle of Salamis, which took place in 480 BC at Salamis, Attica, between the Greeks and Persians.)

The accounts of the Greek historian Herodotus and the far later speeches of the Greek orator Isocrates both provide information about Salamis’ history during the early Archaic and Classical periods. Artaxerxes III later assaulted Salamis and took it over.

After a land and sea battle between the Greeks and the Persians in 450 BC the city (and island) submitted. The city remained under Persian control until the great patriot king Evagoras fought for and obtained independence.

During his reign, Salamis flourished. It issued its own money and nurtured a thriving philosophical and literary scene, receiving noted Greek thinkers and poets.

9. It forms one of the island鈥檚 premier archaeological sites

Salamis archeological site, Cyprus photo by H茅ctor Ochoa “Robot8A” –

Today the vast, scattered remnants of this ancient kingdom, 9km north of Famagusta on the seaward side of the Famagusta, are one of the island鈥檚 premier archaeological sites.

10. The city contains large, arched tombs

The city also contains large, arched tombs, dating back to the 7th and 8th century, B.C. As with any culture, the tombs give a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the ancient residents of the city.

Royalty was not buried within the tombs, as they were reserved for nobles. The huge ashlars (fine cut masonry) and mud brick were used to build the tombs. The horse and chariot from the funeral procession would be sacrificed in front of the tomb when someone was laid to rest.

This ritual was a traditional funeral rite that involved the sacrifice of a horse. Tombs also included grave goods like jewellery and weaponry.