Hellenistic and Roman Periods, 310 BC to 330 AD
Because of its strategic position and wealth, the Romans showed interest in Cyprus from an early date. Although it was annexed in 58 BC, Cyprus only became a regular Roman province in 30 BC. Paphos remained the capital of the island and became the seat of residence of the island’s governor.
The artefacts surviving from this period are strongly influenced by styles of the eastern Roman Empire. Characteristic Roman pottery, glass vessels and terracotta oil lamps are common finds.
The earliest type of glass production exemplified by the glass amphoriskos involved dipping a core of clay or sand into molten glass. These shapes often imitated ceramic objects. Tall-necked glass vessels were used in funerary contexts to hold perfume or ointment. These are also found in Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Their ‘candlestick’ shape allowed control over the quantity of liquid to be poured. Oil lamps from this period were both imported and made locally.
