Page 11 - Annual Magazine 2018

HISTORY | THROWBACK

upon the

HISTORIC HILL

Aphrodite Hills, with its unique location in Kouklia overlooking the birthplace
of Aphrodite, is steeped in history and mythology. The Resort is built in the
vicinity of three important archaeological sites – the Rantidi Forest, the plateau
of Hadjiabdoulla, and the man-made mount of Laona. Here, history and
mythology become inextricably entwined.

Story by Rachel Chrysostom

I

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GODS BORN IN THE PURPLE
After a decade of surveying and excavation, a sanctuary site within Another excavation site near Aphrodite Hills Resort grounds,
the area known as the Rantidi forest was discovered, boasting an uncovered an extensive storage and industrial complex, dating
important cult of the Ancient Greek Deity, Adonis. Thousands of to the Cypro-Classical period. The site, located on the plateau of
life-sized and greater-than-life-sized terracotta statue fragments Hadjiabdoulla, appears to have functioned as the Paphos royal
were recovered, as well as more than 200 inscriptions, all of which dynasty headquarters until the end of the 4th century B.C. Most
reflect the beautiful legend of Adonis and Aphrodite. interesting, however, is that archaeological data from the site
appears to confirm that one of the main elements found among the
The deity of plants and prophecy, Adonis was the forever youthful complex was a thick layer of crushed murex shells. The murex, a
god, who lived in a constant cycle of rebirth. So captivating species of predatory mollusk, produced a highly sought after deep
HISTORY was his beauty, even as an infant, that Aphrodite, the goddess purple dye. Indeed, this is the first archaeological finding of its kind
The Resort is built in the vicinity of of Love, handed him over to the care of Persephone, Queen which confirms production of this precious, costly dye, known as
three important archaeological sites of the Underworld to keep him from prying eyes. A struggle ‘porphura,’ in Cyprus. Extracting the dye involved thousands of
– the Rantidi Forest, the plateau of ensued between the two when Persephone refused to return the these murex snails, and a substantial amount of labor. As a result,
Hadjiabdoulla, and the man-made child to Aphrodite, and Zeus, King of the Gods, was forced to the dye was highly valued, and purple-dyed textiles became status
mount of Laona. intervene and decree that Adonis could spend a third of the year symbols. In fact, laws at the time restricted the use of the dye to
with Persephone, a third with Aphrodite, and a third to do as he the coloring of imperial silks only. The name ‘porphura’ thus lent
pleased. He decided to spend the latter third with Aphrodite, and itself to the term ‘porphyrogenitos,’ which literally translates to
the two spent their days hunting in the Rantidi Forest. ‘born in the purple.’ In other words, a child born into royalty.

10 11

Aphrodite Hills Resort “European Golf Resort of the Year 2018”