Neos Kypriakos Phylax (Rightist): the Engomi excavations and the discovery of the palace of the ancient town of Alasia, yesterday's reporters visitNeos Kypriakos Phylax

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… was excavated by him last Spring. Regarding the bronze statue which was then discovered, he said that he believes it represents the Egyptian God NERGAL, given that, by history we know that the kings of Alasia had close relations with the Pharaos. Dr. Schaeffer on the other hand believes that it is the statue of Apollon of Alasia who was worshipped in the town. However, the matter will be discussed after the excavations are finished. The building which was discovered by Mr. Dikaios is built of carved stones but earlier repairs can be seen. It is believed that this was used till the 12th century when the town was ruined by an earthquake for the second time. The position of the stones and cracks on the walls are signsof earthquakes.

Signs of crossed streets which were found, show that the town was built accordin to plan. The width of the streets is 3.20 metres.

The town was surrounded by Cyclop's walls of 2½ - 3 metres wide. Most of the discovered articles belong to the end of Mycenean period when the town was thriving and some of them are of Egyptian art. The tombs which were found are always near the houses.

Before the inspection of the toms the Director of Antiquities Department mentioned that the firse excavations on the ruins of Alasia made towards the end of 19th century A.C. by a British Mission failed. In 1930 a Swedish Mission discovered a small part of the town. In 1934 Dr. Schaeffer came to Cyprus and took charge of the excavations which revealed a part of the walls. Dr. Schaeffer returned after the end of the war in 1946 in order to continue his excavations in charge of the National Branch of Antiquities of France and invited the Cyprus Antiquities Department to join him, which invitation was glady accepted, in view of the fact that the excavations are connected with Alasia, one of the main town of the island of 15th to 12th century B.C.

In accordance with the undertaken cooperation, the Cyprus Museum carried out excavations under the direction of Mr. Dikaios which will be continued.

Mr. Dikaios expressed his pleasure for cooperating with a famous archaeologist as Dr. Schaeffer and his gratitude because Dr. Schaeffer through his insistence succeeded in the excavations being financed by both the Cyprus and French Antiquities Departments.