74. LAMBAS, PANAGIA

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In the northeastern foothills of the Troodos Mountains, less than 1 mile (1.5 km) northwest of Mitsero (Nicosia district) at 520m a.s.l., overlooking the central Mesaoria plain. The low density of recovered pottery sherds from the surveyed area suggests a non-settlement site [Knapp and Given (1996) 324].

Description: The now ruinous dome-hall structure was built of rubble masonry with cylindrical engaged piers [cf. Trikomo] in alternating brick and stone masonry [MKE 8, 194]. The walls survive up to c.1m above ground.

Dating: An early 12th century date is suggested by the masonry and the (now lost) fresco decoration [MKE 8, 194]. Procopiou proposes a late 11th / early 12th-century date [Procopiou (2006a) 263].

Later additions / alterations: The engaged piers were perhaps added or repaired after the initial building campaign (the southwest pier has a stone with decoration on its inner surface). The walls of the east part were strengthened at some unknown date, concealing the engaged piers, and a modern retaining wall was erected to the west [Knapp and Given (1996) 330].

modern repairs : The site was surveyed in 1995 [Knapp and Given (1996) 324-31].

Views: Clerides (1963) 135 [ruins in much better condition than today].

Plan / section: Knapp and Given (1996) 329; Procopiou (2006a) 265.