Newsroom
The Cyprus Archaeological Museum, set to open in 2027, will prominently showcase significant archaeological findings from Kourion, an ancient Roman city devastated by a massive earthquake on July 21, 365 A.D. This seismic event, the largest in the Mediterranean at the time, was documented by the renowned fourth-century writer Ammianus Marcellinus.
In the mid-1980s, a team led by University of Arizona professor David Soren re-excavated Kourion, uncovering the "Earthquake House," which contained poignant evidence of the disaster, including the remains of a family—two adults and a baby—who perished together under rubble. Soren, now a University of Arizona Regents Professor, has dedicated his 50-year career to unraveling ancient mysteries, and he described the emotional weight of discovering the family's remains.
The Cypriot government plans to feature Soren's findings in the museum's final exhibit, emphasizing the stories of those who lived through the earthquake. Recently, Soren donated his extensive research archive, including illustrations of the disaster and records of the residents' responses, to aid in developing the museum.
Giorgos Georgiou, director of Cyprus's Department of Antiquities, expressed gratitude for Soren's contribution, highlighting its significance in preserving Cyprus's cultural heritage. The archive will be digitized and made accessible to scholars and students, ensuring that the legacy of Kourion continues to educate future generations.
