The City of Paphos in Cyprus in Roman Times

Paphos, Cyprus, emerged as the island's dominant city during Roman times, primarily due to its association with the cult of Aphrodite Paphia, which held significant influence across the Mediterranean. The city was divided into Paleo Paphos, a religious center, and Neo Paphos, the administrative hub, connected by a 60-stadium Sacred Way. Key Roman structures, including the Agora, Odeon, Asklepieion, and a forum, were built in Neo Paphos, alongside notable urban villas with mosaic floors, such as the House of Theseus (residence of the proconsul). By the 4th-5th centuries, Paphos became a pivotal Christian center, hosting two large basilicas and serving as a stop on the apostles' Paul and Barnabas' route. Despite severe damage from mid-4th-century earthquakes that led to the capital's relocation to Salamis, Paphos remained a significant religious hub within the autokephalous Cypriot Church by 431 AD.

(Ed.). (2019). THE CITY OF PAPHOS IN CYPRUS IN ROMAN TIMES. Scientific Bulletins of the Belgorod State University Series History Political Science, 46(3), 412–419. https://doi.org/10.18413/2075-4458-2019-46-3-412-419