Salamis, Cyprus
Salamis, Cyprus [Si].Situated on the east coast of Cyprus near modern Famagusta, this was an extensive major prehistoric and classical trading port. A Mycenaean settlement is known at Enkomi a short distance inland which may have been the precursor of the coastal port; legend records that Salamis was founded by Teucer, son of Telamon the king of the Greek island of Salamis, at the end of the Trojan War. The earliest deposits so far uncovered date to the 11th century bc, and the city was certainly thriving from the 6th century bc onwards when it was the most powerful city in Cyprus. A vast burial ground to the west of the town dates from this period and includes many richly furnished burial chambers. During the 5th century bc the town was the focus of resistance to the Persians, and the ships of Salamis aided Alexander at the siege of Tyre. After a turbulent period between 300 BC and the mid 1st century bc, Cato was sent to annex Cyprus to Rome in 58 BC. A...
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