Government department

Department of Antiquities of Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus · founded 1 January 1935

Government department in Nicosia, founded 1 January 1935. 125 people in the register connected with it.

History

1882
Committee of the Cyprus Museum established; the Department later took over its responsibilities (tertiary source).
NicosiaDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)
16 November 1932
Archaeological Joint Committee meeting in London proposes a Department of Antiquities for Cyprus and recommends that Peers visit the island.
Charles Peers George Hill John Linton Myres Stanley-Price 2025
1934
Peers and Hill visit Cyprus (spring 1934); Hill's report assesses the Cyprus Museum and proposes amendments to the Antiquities Law; Peers's report urges Office of Works practice and a funded service.
Charles Peers George Hill Stanley-Price 2025
19 October 1934
John Hilton appointed first Director of Antiquities (probationary appointment from this date); he reached Nicosia on 9 November 1934.
John Hilton Stanley-Price 2025
1 January 1935
The Department of Antiquities comes into existence, bringing together the functions of the Cyprus Museum and the Curator of Ancient Monuments; the Law that gave it substance was not yet in force and Hilton was granted interim powers.
NicosiaJohn Hilton George Jeffery Porphyrios Dikaios Stanley-Price 2025
10 May 1935
Draft Antiquities Bill published in the Cyprus Gazette, then subjected to objections from the Colonial Office's legal adviser, the Archaeological Joint Committee and the Director.
Stanley-Price 2025
30 December 1935
New Antiquities Law officially published (Governor signed the revised text on 31 December 1935); it names a 'Director of Antiquities' but not a Department. Hill had inserted the British Museum into it, giving it the right to be offered certain antiquities; the clause was removed when the Law was amended in 1964.
George Hill Richmond Palmer Stanley-Price 2025
6 April 1936
Hilton leaves office after a dismissal decided in 1935 on the Governor's initiative, with the Inspector of Antiquities Rupert Gunnis's opinions influential (Stanley-Price's reading); his tenure was 17 months.
John Hilton Rupert Forbes Gunnis Richmond Palmer Stanley-Price 2025
July 1936
A. H. S. (Peter) Megaw arrives as the second Director of Antiquities.
Arthur Hubert Stanley Megaw Stanley-Price 2025
1959
Megaw leaves the Department at the end of 1959 after twenty-four years of service; Hector Catling also leaves the Survey Branch that year and Kyriakos Nicolaou continues the survey.
Arthur Hubert Stanley Megaw Hector Catling Kyriakos Nicolaou Dikaios 1962
1960
Porphyrios Dikaios, Curator of the Cyprus Museum since 1931, becomes Director after Independence; Vassos Karageorghis is appointed Curator of the Cyprus Museum.
Porphyrios Dikaios Vassos Karageorghis Dikaios 1962 Nicolaou 1966
1961–1966
Development-scheme years: Cyprus Museum new-wing Rooms XIX (1961) and XVIII (1965) finished; first phase of a new Paphos museum built 1962-65 and the collections moved in 1964; the Famagusta District Museum opening delayed to 1966; a Larnaca museum planned; the Report of the Department (RDAC) resumed after a 13-year lapse with volumes for 1963-65.
Nicolaou 1966
1962
Athanasios Papageorghiou appointed Curator of Ancient Monuments, a post vacant for some time.
Athanasios Papageorghiou Nicolaou 1966
July 1963
Dikaios retires; Karageorghis promoted Director and Kyriakos Nicolaou becomes Curator of the Cyprus Museum.
Porphyrios Dikaios Vassos Karageorghis Kyriakos Nicolaou Nicolaou 1966
1964
Antiquities Law amended following Independence; the 1935 British Museum clause eliminated (per Stanley-Price).
Stanley-Price 2025
July 1974
Turkish invasion: the Cyprus Museum, close to the line of hostilities, is evacuated and closed; the House of Dionysos mosaics at Paphos and the churches of Ayios Neophytos and Chrysorroyiatissa are damaged by bombing; looting of Department and foreign expedition stores in the occupied zone is reported; a UNESCO mission by Jacques Dalibard ended abruptly.
Jacques Dalibard Nicolaou 1976
1976
Cyprus Museum reopened (1976). Antiquities evacuated in 1974 were shown at the National Museum, Athens until 1979, then the British Museum (1979) and Birmingham (1980), and all are now back in Cyprus (as of 1976-80 report); a travelling exhibition in the USA and Canada also returned, shown in Bonn and Saarbrucken in 1980.
Nicolaou 1981
1982
Branch for folk architecture and art (Modern Monuments and Museums) created under Demos Christou.
Demos Christou Stylianou-Lambert & Bounia 2016, pp. 64
25 November 1999
Conference on unpublished excavations (The Problem of Unpublished Excavations) organised by the Department and the A. G. Leventis Foundation, Nicosia, 25-26 November 1999.
Summerer 2023
2019
Director Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou writes to foreign missions and the Association of Cypriot Archaeologists asking them not to take part in a conference in Kyrenia, stating that under the Antiquities Law of the Republic the Department is the only authority able to conduct archaeological activity in the island.
Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou Summerer 2023
15 February 2023
Giorgos Georgiou listed as Director from this date (Wikipedia list; the list also ends Solomidou-Ieronymidou's term on 1 November 2023).
George (Giorgos) Georgiou Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)
1 July 2023
Department placed under the Deputy Ministry of Culture; previously under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works from 1935 (tertiary).
Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)
2023
Wikipedia credits the Department with the repatriation of 80 artefacts from the US and 36 from Australia in 2023.
Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)

People

125 people

Staff and members · 68

J. E. Bowlerstaff (1934–1939) · Superintendent of Works · worked for itStanley-Price 20251934–1939
John Hiltondirector (19 October 1934 – 6 April 1936) · first Director of AntiquitiesStanley-Price 20251934
Adamantios Diamantismember or staff1935
George Jefferyofficial (by 1934/1934) · honorary adviserStanley-Price 20251935
Ahmed Pertevstaff (from 1936) · clerk (experienced)Stanley-Price 20251936
J. Pericleousarchitect hired by A.H.S. Megaw to assist Christian-monument work1936
Monica Bardswellvolunteer conservator of mural paintings1936
George Basil PalmaLicensed Dealer in Antiquities (file 24/37; permit renewed for 1938)1937
Elias MarkouSurveyor (described by Leriou & Vavouranakis as the first officially appointed surveyor); draughtsman of the Cyprus Museum · worked for it1938–1983
Joan du Plat Taylorassistant (from 1935) · worked withStanley-Price 20251938–1939
George Markoumember of staff1950
Vassos Karageorghiscurator (1960–1963) · director (1963–1989) · Director of Antiquities · worked for itDikaios 1962 Nicolaou 1966 Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)1952–1992
George Cyril Griffith Williamssponsored his 1953 excavation (not an employee) · worked with1953
Kyriakos Nicolaoucurator (1963 – 1 November 1978) · Assistant Archaeological Officer · worked for itNicolaou 1966 Nicolaou 19811957–1980
George IoannouCustodian at Kouklia · worked for it1958–1981
Andreas Georghiouworked for it1959–1983
Andreas Savvaforeman and field collaborator of Karageorghis (Kition) · worked for it1959–1976
Kakoulis Georghiouforeman at the Kition excavations · worked for it1959–1976
Jean Travlosconsultant/director of theatre restoration works · worked with1961–1972
Yiannis Kleanthousworked for it1961
Ino (Ioanna) Nicolaoumember of the Department; 'archaeologue du Service' (1984) · worked for it1963–1989
A. Christodoulouarchaeologist, Archaeological Survey (Exploration) Branch; Assistant Archaeological Officer; 'archeologue assistant/adjoint' of the Department 1972-74 · worked for it1964–1974
Michael Loulloupisdirector (1991–1992) · archaeologist in the Archaeological Survey (Exploration) section from 1964; Curator of Archaeological Museums (by 1982) and Director of the Exploration Services (1983); Director of the Department of Antiquities · worked for itSmith 20091964–1992
Antonios OrphanouClerk of Antiquities1967

44 more

Chrysilios PolykarpouSurveyor / draughtsman · worked for it1967–1983
Grigoris Christoumember of the Department (1967)1967
Demos Christoudirector (1991–1997) · Assistant Archaeological Officer (1972); archaeologist of the Service; head of the new branch for folk architecture and art (1982); Director · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)1972–1997
Pavlos Flourentzosdirector (2004–2009) · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)1973–2009
Sophocles Hadjisavvasdirector (1997–2004) · archaeologist; Curator of Monuments 1990-97; Director 1997/98-2004 · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)1973–2004
Stelios Nicolaidesmember of the photographic section; Cyprus Museum photographic studio · worked for it1973–1976
Andreas Papadopoulosworked for it1976
Chrysostomos Paraskevaworked for it1976
Maroulla Tsourisecretary to V. Karageorghis · worked for it1976–1983
Yiannis HadjisavvasAssistant Record Keeper · worked for it1976–1983
Mr. Hasapopoulosconservator (laboratories, Nicosia) · worked for it1979–1982
Symeon Klonaristechnical assistant (retired by 1979) · worked for it1979–1981
Demetrios MichaelidesArchaeological Officer, Paphos District · worked for it1982–1992
Euphrosyne Rizopoulou-Egoumenidouassistant to D. Christou in the Branch of Modern Monuments and Museums (folk heritage), created 1982; later head of the branch1982
A. Georghiadesworked for it1983
Andreas Georgiadesconservator (technician at the Museum Laboratory in 1983)1983
Mary Hadjisavvaworked for it1983
Xenophon Michaelworked for it1983
Andreas Tapakoudesobserver, planning meeting1988
Evangelos Hadjistephanoustaff member; participant in the Orpheus Mosaic field project 1988/1989; observer at the June 1988 planning meeting1988
Georgios Tapakoudesstaff; participant in Orpheus mosaic project1988
Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidoudirector (2013–2023) · Acting Director (2009); Director (signing as such 6 Feb 2019; described as 'present director' in 2020) · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)Summerer 20231988–2019
Neoptolemos Demetrioustaff member1988
Glafkos Papadourisarchitect · worked for it1990
Despina Pilidescurator (from 1995) · archaeologist; Senior Archaeological Officer (2009); Curator of the Cyprus Museums (by 2017) · worked for itCAARI 2009, p. 81995–1997
Mary Chamberlaintechnician / draughtswoman1996
Eustathios RaptouArchaeological Officer for Paphos district; later regional director of the Paphos district · worked for it1997–1999
Brunehilde Imhauspublisher of Lacrimae Cypriae (2004)2004
Eleni ProcopiouSenior Archaeological Officer · worked for it2007–2008
George (Giorgos) Georgioudirector (from 15 February 2023) · archaeologist · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)2008–2023
Anna SatrakiArchaeological Officer responsible for the Larnaca district · worked for it2011–2019
Maria Demetriou-Economidoustaff member (thanked)2011
Nikolas Papadimitriou'archaeologist-museologist' / 'Museology Curator' for the exhibition Ancient Cyprus: Cultures in Dialogue; also co-editor of the exhibition catalogue2012
Efthymia AlphasArchaeological Officer (as credited in the editors' acknowledgments, 2017) · worked for it2017
Charles Peersother (1934–1934)Stanley-Price 2025
Demetra AristotelousLimassol Archaeological (district) Officer
Eftychia Zachariou-KailaArchaeological Officer A (as thanked in a Byzantine pottery study, Balance of Empires 2014); 'senior archaeological officer ... at the Cyprus Museum, Nicosia' (City of Gold 2012)
George Hillother (1934–1935)Stanley-Price 2025
Ioannis ViolarisLimassol District Officer
Jeffrey H. Schwartzstudied human bones from Kition for the Department (work preceding 1971)
Panagiotis Andreoustaff member (thanked in preface)
Rupert Forbes Gunnisofficial (1935–1936)Stanley-Price 2025
Sophocles Sophocleousregional director of the Paphos district (undated)
Yiannis Ionasregional director, Paphos district

Fieldwork · 12

Porphyrios Dikaiosdirector (1960–1963) · curator (1931–1960) · Director of Antiquities (after independence) · dug for it · worked for itNicolaou 1966 Nicolaou 19661929–1963
Arthur Hubert Stanley Megawdirector (1936–1959) · Director of Antiquities · dug for it · worked for itDikaios 1962 Stanley-Price 20251935–1960
Theophilus Mogabgabofficial (1935–c. 1955) · Antiquities Officer for Famagusta (seconded 1935), also Tourism Officer; excavator of Famagusta fortifications to 1955 · dug for itStanley-Price 20251935–1955
Andreas I. Dikigoropouloshired by Megaw for standing medieval monuments; Assistant Curator (Cyprus Museum / Department) · dug for it · worked for it1948–1959
Angeliki Pieridoustaff (1948–1973) · archaeologist; organised the first state folk-art museums · dug for it · worked for itNicolaou 19761948–1973
J. S. Lastsurveyor and field director for Kouklia-Mantissa, Saranda Kolones (assistant), Kourion Stadion · dug for it · worked with1954–1966
Hector Catlingstaff (1955–1959) · Archaeological Survey Officer, head of the Survey Branch · dug for it · worked for itDikaios 19621955–1959
Athanasios Papageorghioucurator (from 1962) · director (1989–1991) · Curator of Ancient Monuments · dug for it · worked for itNicolaou 1966 Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)1962–1991
Franz Georg Maierdug for it1972
N. P. Stanley Pricedug for it1972
Maria Hadjicostidirector (2009–c. 2013) · joined 1979; Archaeological Officer then Officer A' 1986-1994; Head Curator of Monuments 1998-2006; Head Curator of Museums 2006-; Acting Director 2009-2010; Director from 1 Feb 2010 · dug for it · worked for itDepartment of Antiquities (Cyprus)CAARI 2010, p. 81979–2013
J. Richard Greendug for it1995

Donors and lenders · 9

Edward Stubbsfunded it1935–1936
C. P. Manglisfunded it1942
George H. McFaddengave objects1953–1954
Terence Bruce Mitfordfunded it1954
Anastasios G. Leventisfunded it1963–1965
Demetrios Zeno Pieridesfunded it · worked with1963–1985
Andreas Patsalidesfunded it1987
Lesley Hoyes Huntgave objects2024
George Eumorphopoulosfunded it

Buyers · 1

Jean des Gagniersbought here1969

Others connected · 35

John Linton Myres1932–1935
Claude Frédéric-Armand Schaefferworked with1946–1955
I. M. G. Williams1956
Ernest Hawkinsworked with1965
Michael Katzevworked with1967–1974
Milorad Medićworked with1968–1975
David Winfieldworked with1969
Georghios Bakalakis1969–1972
William Rex Crawford Jr.1972
Christakis Hadjiprodromou1973
George Rappworked with1975
Alain Le Brun1976
Ian A. Toddworked with1976
John E. Coleman1976–1984
Philip J. Kingcorresponded with1978
Philip Papageorghiou1979–1981
Stefanos Sinosworked with1979–1990
J. Rutherfordworked with1980
F. Wenzelworked with1983
Luis Monrealworked with1988–1989
Paolo Moraworked with1988–1989
Richard Coffmanworked with1989
Andrea Brunoworked with1990
Michael K. Toumazou1990

11 more

Boldizsár Csornay-Caprez1996
A. Metaxas1997
Andrew C. Sneddon1998
Lindy Crewe2007
Nikos Efstratiou2009
Bleda S. Düringworked with2015–2017
Tasoula Hadjitoficorresponded with2015–2017
Catherine Kearns2016–2021
Panayiotis Panayides2016–2019
Alexander Gatzschecorresponded with2018–2023
Fedonas Fedonos2021

On Ancient Cyprus

7 pages

Sources

1.Nicholas Stanley-Price (2025). “Colonial society and the dismissal of John Hilton, first Director of Antiquities in Cyprus”. Empire & Excavation: Critical perspectives on archaeology in British-period Cyprus, 1878-1960, 109-126.
2.“Department of Antiquities (Cyprus)”. Wikipedia. Online
3.P. Dikaios (1962). “Archaeology in Cyprus, 1959-61”. Archaeological Reports 8, 32-46. Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies. Online
4.K. Nicolaou (1966). “Archaeology in Cyprus, 1961-66”. Archaeological Reports 12, 27-43. Online
5.K. Nicolaou (1976). “Archaeology in Cyprus, 1969-76”. Archaeological Reports 22.
6.K. Nicolaou (1981). “Archaeology in Cyprus, 1976-80”. Archaeological Reports 27.
7.Lâtife Summerer (2023). “In Fear of Blacklisting. How the Division Shaped Archaeology in Cyprus”. New Approaches toward Recording, Preserving and Studying Cultural Heritage in Divided Cyprus. Kyrenia, ARUCAD Press.
8.T. Stylianou-Lambert, A. Bounia (2016). The Political Museum: Power, Conflict, and Identity in Cyprus.
9. (2026). “Cypriot antiquities export licences and labels (internal research file)”. content/posts/research/cypriot-antiquities-export-licences-and-labels-research.md.
10.Joanna S. Smith (2009). Art and Society in Cyprus from the Bronze Age into the Iron Age. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
11.CAARI (2010). CAARI News 39 (Spring 2010). CAARI.
12.CAARI (2009). CAARI News 38 (Fall 2009).
13.Nicholas Stanley Price (ed.) (1991). The Conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus. Getty Conservation Institute.
14.V. Karageorghis, F. Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou, D. Papanikola-Bakirtzis, C. Elliott (1985). Ancient Cypriote Art in the Pierides Foundation Museum.
15.Eric M. Meyers (ed.) (1997). The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East. New York, Oxford University Press.
16.P. Dikaios (1953). Khirokitia: Final Report on the Excavation of a Neolithic Settlement in Cyprus on Behalf of the Department of Antiquities, 1936-1946. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
17.V. Karageorghis (1976). Kition: Mycenaean and Phoenician Discoveries in Cyprus. London, Thames and Hudson.
18.V. Karageorghis (1983). Palaepaphos-Skales: An Iron Age Cemetery in Cyprus.
19.V. Karageorghis (1990). The A. G. Leventis Foundation and the Cultural Heritage of Cyprus.
20.Ellen Herscher (1995). “Archaeology in Cyprus”. American Journal of Archaeology 99, 257-294.