South-west of the village, about eight hundred metres from its centre, there is an area of high archaeological value, known as “Kastros”. On top of Kastros, a conspicuous hill in Fasoula, there stood in ancient times a temple dedicated to Zeus Lavranius. The first settlement of Fasoula was developed in this area.
On top of the hill, known as Moutti tou Dkia, "Zeus Crest'' inscriptions dedicated to Zeus were found. Ten inscriptions “carved at the basis of statues” have been found at this place. The inscriptions date back to the 2nd century A.C. known as the Roman Times.
What is noteworthy is that at the time Christianity was already prevailing in the island. This leads to the conclusion that Fasoula was one of the “last pillars of strength of idolatry”.
During ancient times, most probably, the area was under the rule of the Amathounta kingdom. This claim is based on the geographical position of Fasoula. In other words, it is based on the vicinity of the village with the Amathounta Kingdom.
“Kastros” area as mentioned above was the oldest settlement in Fasoula. This is proven by findings, brought to light by archaeological discoveries. Earlier researchers of the area consider “Zeus’s Moutti” as the citadel of the ancient settlement.
The above mentioned researchers’ claim is grounded on the geographical position of the area. Moutti, in specific, is geographically entrenched which is why earlier archaeologists have identified the Moutti area with the settlement’s citadel. One of the researchers who support this claim is G. Jeffrey, who relies on the description given by the 1883“Journal American Oriental Society”. Despite the aforementioned, this claim is challenged by contemporary researchers who assert that “there is no evidence pointing to the existence of a citadel, where citadel carries the meaning of an ancient citadel”. What cannot be argued is the fact that Zeus’s temple, whether Moutti was a citadel or not, assigns great importance to the area. Without dispute, the temple was “impressive enough and was built in a prominent location”.
Excursionist Gunnis, one of the supporters of the existence of a citadel at the Moutti area, adds that there was a Roman fortress in the area. This claim also explains the name given to the area “Kastro” which means castle in Greek, even though it contradicts the view that the ruins found in the area do not belong to the Roman fortress but to Lavranio Zeus’s temple.
Moreover, as Gunnis mentions, during his tour he “saw quite a few large headless statues” and some of the statues’ heads he saw in a villager’s house”.
In conclusion, the existence of a castle or a tower in the area should not be considered an improbable possibility at least in a later period since the name “Kastros” (castle) is used. More specifically, it is believed that there was a tower in the area, which was the home of an atheling during the middle Ages.
Source:
Grand Cypriot Encyclopaedia vol. 13 |
