The place name Yeronisos, or “Holy Island,” is a very ancient one, known already in the first century B.C. to the Roman writer Pliny (Natural Histories 5.129-131) who speaks of an island called “Hiera” near Paphos in western Cyprus. A century later, Strabo (Geographies 14.6.4) mentions a place called “Hierocepis” nearby Paphos and Akamas. Steep cliffs, strong currents, and lack of water have long discouraged visitors from landing on Yeronisos. Its inaccessibility has allowed the island to remain one of the truly virgin sites of Cyprus, with ancient levels undisturbed since Byzantine times.
The Yeronisos Island Expedition undertakes the multidisciplinary investigation of Yeronisos Island, with emphasis on archaeological survey and excavation, ecological survey and research, scientific analysis, mapping, collaborative projects, and an active program of publication and community outreach.
The project integrates ecological and archaeological fieldwork toward the common goal of preserving the natural and cultural resources of Cyprus through an active program of exploration, public outreach, and education.
Long-term goals of the project include the planning of an ecological/archaeological park on Yeronisos, the establishment of a local museum/educational and cultural facilities at Agios Georgios-tis-Peyias, and the creation of an environmental/cultural footpath linking sites of interest along the western coast of Cyprus.
Find the excavation’s official site here.
Contact: Joan Breton Connelly, Director (joan.connelly@nyu.edu)
This project accepts students. Students who are interested should reach out to Joan Connelly. An interview and CV are required.