Royal Tombs

The Salamis Necropolis covers an area of roughly 4 square miles and stretches from Enkomi to the West end of the Salamis forest and to the St. Barnabas Monastery.

Because of the structural styles and the rich findings of some of the tombs that have been uncovered they have been named as the Royal Tombs. Their main architectural feature is the long, wide, sloping ground in front of the burial chamber. This is where the horses pulling the hearse were sacrificed in honour of the deceased, and earthenware jars of oil, wine and honey were lined.

Studies indicate that the tombs were made in the 8th century B.C. and were used until the 4th century A.D.. Tombs numbered 47, 50 and 79 in particular contained rich findings. The tomb numbered 50 was also used as a small church dedicated to St. Catherine. It is also known with the name ‘St. Catherine prison’ as St.

Catherine is believed to have been kept here after converting to Christianity by his uncle who was the Salamis administrator. A lot of earthenware pots and pans, things made of bronze and ivory and the skeletons of the sacrificed horses have been uncovered during excavations.