ATA has tour of Bronze Age site
MEMBERS of the Anglo Turkish Association (ATA) of Northern Cyprus were given a presentation and guided tour of the Lapta Bronze Age Cemetery, “the most important Bronze Age cemetery in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean”, by archaeologist Caroline Houghton on Wednesday.
The talk was given at the Blue Song Restaurant, Lapta, where ATA members and their guests also enjoyed lunch by the sea.
ATA event organiser Debbie Bird said she was pleased to be able to provide members of the association with an “interesting and informative” talk on a topic “very few people in the TRNC know anything about”.
ATA chairman Philip Lloyd said: “Today’s [Wednesday’s] event for members and guests illustrated the ethos of the association by combining a fascinating historical talk with a lunch and guided tour, ie providing culture about the island in an enjoyable way.”
He added that it was “sad that such an important historical site has been allowed to fall into the disrepair it finds its self in today”.
Information provided by the ATA to its members prior to the event said: “Although relatively small, and not as impressive as Stonehenge in Britain, this site is of immense importance and interest because of its architecture and the content that was discovered within its tombs.
“The frequent occurrence of Brettidolen and Early Bronze Age Philia ceramics at the site is striking, whilst early geometric graves suggest ritual human sacrifices, a custom that has been documented since the Neolithic times.
“Burial in the Bronze Age suggests a continuing change in emphasis towards the individual, with burials of wealthy individuals and children with apparently hereditary status (although their grave goods were presumably supplied by grieving parents and may suggest their status rather than that of the dead child).
“If one thing is sure, this talk will leave you wanting to know more and wanting to impress your friends with your new found knowledge about something on their doorstep they likewise never knew existed!”