Capital of the west and positively teaming with history is Paphos. The first settlement here dates from the 4th century BC and Paphos played an important role in early Cypriot history. It was on Paphos shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born - a legend that spawned a massive wave of cult worship from neighboring countries that lasted several centuries.
Famagusta is one great city that is believed to have been founded in the 11th century BC and after the influences of the many conquering nations notably the Romans the city was finally abandoned in 648 AD, following the combined catastrophe of earthquake and raids by pirates when the population moved to Famagusta.
Larnaca is the oldest living city of Cyprus and was originally known as Kition, or Kittium. Legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah’ s grandson Khittim. Unlike other ancient cities of Cyprus, which were abandoned by their inhabitants, Larnaca from the time of its founding 6000 years ago has existed and still exists on the same site. Being in the crossroad of civilization from the early dawn of history, Larnaca has attracted many visitors. Some came as colonizers, others as traders and others as invaders, conquerors or tourists.
Limassol is situated between the ancient towns of Amathus and Curium. The English King Richard the Lionheart destroyed Amathus in 1191. Lemesos (Limassol) was probably built after Amathus had been ruined. However, the town of Lemesos (Limassol) was inhabited since the very old times. Graves that were found there date back to 2.000 B.C. and others date back to the 8th and 4th century B.C. These few remains that were left behind show that a small colonization must have existed which did not manage to develop and flourish.
