A six-year-old child buried face-down was among notable discoveries made during recent excavations at the Chalcolithic settlement of Chlorakas-Palloures, in the Paphos region, the department of antiquities said on Tuesday.
Excavations also revealed a copper pendant, indicating early metallurgy on the island, as well as coprolites that may offer a glimpse into the diet and hygiene of members of the 5,000-year-old settlement.
“The Palloures excavation has opened new and exciting perspectives into the Chalcolithic life and period in Cyprus,” the department said.
Excavations, carried out under the direction of Dr Bleda Düring from Leiden University, focused on the excavation of a number of “burned round houses” dating to the Chalcolithic period between 3500-2500 BC.
“These are buildings with substantial ash deposits, including complete but collapsed vessels on their floors,” the department said.
Among the notable discoveries are “the burial of a six-year-old child who suffered from a medical condition that affected the hand bones.”
“The child was buried in an unusual position with the head facing down and this is of great importance,” the department added.
Another interesting finding that provides archaeologists with important information about the development of the earliest metallurgy on the island, was the recovery of two copper objects, a pendant and a chisel.
Furthermore, 30 coprolites – fossilised faeces of animals – found at the site are expected to shed light on the dietary habits and level of hygiene of the people who lived there 5,000 years ago.
