The Swedish Cyprus Expedition: Survey and protection of the burial site

The Swedish Cyprus Expedition has been active on the island since the 1920s. The rich finds from the expedition now form the main part of the Mediterranean Museum's collections in Stockholm. Under the direction of Professor Peter M. Fischer, University of Gothenburg, the 50 ha Bronze Age city of Hala Sultan Tekke is being explored. During mapping east of the city in June 2013, human skeletal remains were discovered in a heavily eroded area. These findings were made near two rich chamber tombs excavated in 1968. A closer examination of the eroded area revealed the presence of three more graves, one of which was excavated by the Swedish team. The grave contained four skeletons with grave goods including silver, bronze and faience jewelry and ceramic vessels. The tomb is dated 1300-1200 BC. Variations in the vegetation in the nearby 1 ha field most likely point to further graves indicating a burial field. The scientific value of the project is considered high as the information from the settlement and cemetery provide the most complete picture of this Bronze Age culture that had contact with Sweden according to lead isotope analysis of Swedish bronzes. The aim of the project is therefore: to map the extent of the cemetery using radar and magnetometer prospecting, to excavate the most exposed graves and to protect the area by fencing and guarding. The risk of looting, erosion and a planned building make an immediate intervention necessary.