Kato Paphos Part 6 - Agia Kyriaki
Pillars of the Community
There is another sign around here:
Votive inscription (6th century AD)
The wide-ranging renovation works of the basilica that took place during the 6th century included the reduction of seven aisles into five and the covering of major parts of the floors with new mosaics and opus sectile. The renovation of the basilica, or at least that of the north aisle floor, is testified in the mosaic inscription, located on the floor of the internal north aisle mosaic in front of the narthex's entrance (yellow colour).
The Inscription
I love the next bit of the sign. Basically, it is a note left by Archaeologists. The idea of 6th century historians tickles me. But think about it. We are all just specimens for future Archaeologists. Will our actions be noticed 1500 years from now? I doubt it.
Anyway, this is what the message says:
The inscription states:
[Greek text]
(this good work took place during the episcopacy of the Most Holy Bishop Sergius, beginning of the month of February on the 14th indiction).
Bishop Sergius of Paphos is unknown in any other sources. The inscription unfortunately does not allow an absolute date, since the indiction itself cannot be accuratel y dater, thus other information is needed to identify the specific year. The inscription, however, is dated to the second half of the 6th century.
Towards Bar Street
If you carry on in that direction you will arrive at an area of Kato Paphos we have not yet covered in this series. So instead, lets return to that big sign we saw at the start, and head to the left. There is an important monument to see.
St Paul's Pillar
This is St Paul's Pillar. It is quite unassuming, but very historical. This is what I find on the web:
According to tradition, Saint Paul was punished and sentenced to thirty nine (forty but one) lashes for evangelizing Christianity in Paphos.
For this, he was tied on a column and whipped with a special whip. The whip from one single base had 13 heads, so with one beat Saint Paul received 13 lashes. He endured for three beats before he kneeled down. As every beat equalled 13 lashes, he received a total of 39.
Alas, Poor Eric
Near the pillar there is another, old sign, dedicated to a Danish King who died here on his way to the Holy Land
Page 4 of 10
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eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
