Archaeological findings in the Peristerona River valley

A field research project conducted in the Peristerona River valley in Cyprus concluded on September 23, 2026, revealing evidence of an Iron Age sanctuary and a Hellenistic-era settlement. The project, titled 'Life at the Furnace' (LAF), is a collaborative effort led by Dr. Kristina Winther-Jacobsen of the University of Copenhagen and Dr. Angus Graham of Uppsala University, working in partnership with the Cyprus Institute.

The initiative focuses on the metallurgical history of Cyprus, specifically examining copper production during the Roman period and its impact on the environment and social organization in the northwestern foothills of the Troodos mountains. Fieldwork centers on slag heap sites spanning Agia Marina Xyliatou, Mavrovouni, Orounta, Kato Moni, and the broader inland areas of Xyliatou and Nikitari. This current research builds upon findings gathered during the 2025 field season, which initially indicated the potential for such historical discoveries in these locations.

The Department of Antiquities has confirmed that the program integrates the study of material culture with environmental data. By analyzing the scale and nature of ancient copper production, the researchers aim to better understand how resource extraction shaped human habitation and ecological conditions in the Troodos region over several centuries.