Khirokitia, an idiosyncratic Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, its putative foreign relations, and integrity in archaeological research

A groundstone artifact claimed by archaeologist James Mellaart to have originated from the northern Levant and been found at the Neolithic site of Khirokitia in Cyprus was determined to never have existed. The study, which scrutinized Mellaart's archaeological records from the 1960s–70s alongside recent research, found no citation or physical evidence supporting the claim. This case is part of a broader pattern of suspect claims by Mellaart over six decades, highlighting the serious academic consequences of fabricating ancient material culture. The research underscores the need for greater attention to integrity in archaeological studies.

Edwards, P. C. (2026). Khirokitia, an idiosyncratic Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, its putative foreign relations, and integrity in archaeological research. Buried History: The Journal of the Australian Institute of Archaeology, 61, 17–32. https://doi.org/10.62614/8nf1mq76