Soli Ruins

This ancient settlement is one of the ten ancient kingdoms of Cyprus dating to the 6th century BC.

Located near the town of Lefke and southwest of Guzelyurt, what remains today at the coastal site of Soli dates mainly to the Roman era.

It is believed to have been founded by the Athenians returning from the Trojan Wars in the 13th century BCE and the region was first known as ‘Aipeia’.

A Greek statesman Solon advised that the city be moved to the lower lying littoral in order to facilitate the export of copper ore from the area. The ruler of the town King Philocypros, who was also a pupil of this figurehead, duly obliged and the relocated city was renamed Soli after Solon.

Other than an abundance of copper deposits, Soli had a good water supply, fertile soil and a protected harbour, making it one of the most important capitals of Cyprus.

The city fell under the successive influence of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Byzantine periods. In 498 BC, the people of Soli joined the other kingdoms in the Ionian Revolution against the Persians, who took the city. It was only in 449 BC and during the Roman period that Soli became a prosperous city.

However, by the 4th century AD, the copper mines were almost exhausted and its harbour silted up, leading to a period of stagnation for the city which gradually lost its importance.

The city was destroyed during the Arab raids of the 7th century, as was the fate of other coastal towns and was finally left abandoned after a millennium of continuous occupation. What remains today is an impressive collection of structures and findings.

Roman Theatre

Excavation of the old city began in 1929 under the direction of a team of Swedish archaeologists. The Roman Theatre that was discovered dates to the end of the 2nd century AD and occupies the site of the original Greek amphitheatre, on the northern slope of a hill overlooking the sea below.

It holds an auditorium of seventeen rows of seats, carved in a semicircle out of the hillside rocks with some 4,000 capacity, restored though to only half of its original height.

A grand semi-circular orchestra with great acoustics has also since been restored. Admission to this area alongside the auditorium was gained through two side entrances, the audience being separated from the orchestra through a limestone wall. As with many ancient ruins, the stones of Soli were recycled, those of the theatre used by the British during their administration of the island, for the construction of Port Said in Egypt in the second half of the 19th century. Indeed the former limestone wall is now part of this harbour. 

The original stage was made up of two levels, covered with marble panelling and decorated with statues. Some of the original masonry can be seen in the orchestra section.

The theatre today is occasionally used for atmospheric concerts and plays – you can follow all upcoming NCY Events son our featured page.

St. Auxibus Basilica

An ancient coin found during excavations dates the basilica to the latter part of the 4th century AD, one of the first Christian churches on the island.

According to Christian tradition, Soli is believed to be the place where John Mark baptised St. Auxibus, a Roman Christian who later became the first bishop of the Church of Soli.

Built over several different stages, the initial build was a five-naved church, later modified into a three aisled structure in the 6th century near to 200 metres in length, separated by twelve columns some of which are still standing today.

The small church has three doors and a courtyard that boasts a fountain ringed with further columns. 

Mosaics

One of the most prestigious finds at the basilica are its’ mosaics found in the flooring, most of which have survived to the present day.

As is the case with other churches in Cyprus, mosaics were originally of geometric design, and gradually animal figures such as birds and bulls were incorporated and opus sectile decoration from small coloured stone tiles were later created.

The goose like swan mosaic in the floor of the nave, surrounded by floral and four small dolphins is the most recognisable and immediately catches visitor’s attention. The inscription in the mosaic set reads, “Christ! Mercy to those who have created this mosaic”.

The narthex and the northern part of the basilica floor is decorated in art opus sectile mosaic, a type using geometrically tailored stones which originate from the 6th century.

Temples

After the excavation of the theatre building, the Isis, Aphrodite and Serapis temples were unearthed. The Aphrodite temple is situated on a hill above the theatre but is not accessible to the public.

A famous sculpture of Aphrodite dating back to the 1st century was also discovered at this site, and the palace buildings from the Hellenistic period are also on this hill.

Tombs

Recent excavations by Turkish Cypriot archaeologists have unearthed many tombs from the Geometric and Roman periods. One which was carved into the rocks is of a majestic three-tomb structure and is believed to have belonged to a noble.

Valuable artifacts discovered include a golden throne, diadem and gold jewellery as well as other metal cups, which are today exhibited at the Guzelyurt Museum of Archaeology and Natural History. The findings indicate a high level of wealth and power.

Much More to be Discovered

Excavations have also uncovered a Hellenistic Period colonnaded avenue leading to the Agora, the local public gathering space which holds the remains of a monumental marble fountain or nymphaeum.

The traces of the ancient city stretch over a wide area and have still not been fully uncovered. This all adds to the mystery when discovering this archaic site – be careful how you tread through Soli!