Larnaca History

The city of Larnaca is the oldest continually occupied settlement in Cyprus and one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to the time of Noah. Its location at the crossroads of civilisation has brought many different cultures to its port, some as conquerors and some as colonisers. In present times however, visitors to this coastal town are mainly tourists. More than three million of them arrive on the island each year to enjoy the stunning scenery and ancient ruins.

Origins of the city

Legend has it that the very first settlement on this site, named Kition, was founded by Noah’s grandson, Khittim, some 6,000 years ago. The town’s present name of Larnaca is derived from the Greek word ‘larnax’ (coffin), which comes from the many ancient coffins found on Kition’s grounds. Unlike the other ancient cities of Cyprus which were abandoned over the centuries, the site of Larnaca has been inhabited continually since its founding.

The Mycenaeans

Once the principal Phoenician colony in Cyprus, Kition later rose to prominence when it became part of the Hellenistic realm. However, its earliest remains can be traced back to the 13th century BC, when the Kition City Kingdom was established by the Mycenaean Greeks as a main centre of the copper trade. Recent excavations have unearthed well-preserved Cyclopean walls and a complex of Mycenaean temples, which are now on display at the Kition Archeological Site.

At the crossroads of trade

Due to its prime location in the Mediterranean, the port town of Larnaca has always attracted the regional powers of the day. Some came as colonisers, others as traders, invaders or conquerors. As the power of the region shifted, so too did the loyalty of this city. In 668 BC it was named as an ally of Assurbanipal of Assyria. During the Ionian Greek revolts in the 4th century BC, Larnaca was loyal to Persia until it was besieged by an Athenian army in 449 BC.

The Byzantines

The era that left some of the most important legacies in this town was the Byzantine period. Many fascinating monuments still remain, such as the Basilica of Saint Lazarus from the 9th century. This was a time of stability and prosperity for the citizens of Larnaca, who enjoyed peaceful trade with much of Europe.

The Ottoman Empire

The town really rose to prominence during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, when it became the commercial and political centre of Cyprus. Larnaca was established as the principal trade centre for the island and prospered accordingly. When the British arrived in 1878 and began their rule of Cyprus, they landed at Larnaca. The British maintained the town as a trading centre until 1960, when British rule came to an end.

Population growth

Larnaca saw a massive influx of migrants in 1974, when Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus, displacing nearly 200,000 Greek-Cypriots who lived in the northern part of the island. Larnaca openly received over 40,000 refugees, who instantly tripled the city’s population to 65,000. Although the port town of Limassol now ranks as the island’s leading trade centre, Larnaca still retains popularity for its charismatic harbour and friendly locals. Today, its economy relies partially on tourism and as such, it attracts many yachtsmen and beach lovers every year, who come to enjoy the quiet charm of this ancient town.