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Paphos History
The site of Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was the centre of the cult of Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Her mythical birthplace was on the island and her temple was erected in 12th century BC. This can still be found on the island and is a popular tourist attraction.
The town currently named Paphos is considered by historians to be New Paphos, founded by Agapenor, who was king of the Paphians. Legend has it that the Arcadians, led by Agapenor, after the siege of Troy were driven by a storm that separated their fleet, onto the coast of Cyprus. Paphos was the first administrative capital of Cyprus before the founding of Nicosia in the east of the island in the Middle Ages. The city and its port continued its decline throughout these periods and Ottoman Rule, as many citizens moved to nearby Limassol or further way to Nicosia and Larnaca.
However, after 1974 the city began to grow again, with the advent of tourism from overseas. This was cemented with the influx of government funds to build irrigation dams, roads and Paphos International Airport, which was, and still is, the island’s second largest airport. With the building of many popular resorts, such as the Coral Bay Resort and the Aphrodite Hills Resort the city is in the midst of an economic boom.
Travel guide to Paphos
Paphos History
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