Ancient Town Salamina (Σαλαμίνα)

Salamina's origins date back to the 11th century BCE, when the city assumed a leading role among the Cypriot city-kingdoms. Myth has it that Teucer, son of King Telamon of the Greek island of Salamis, founded the city after the destruction of Troy. From the 8th century BCE, the originally small settlement expanded significantly, with the old necropolis being built over and a new one established to the south. Trade relations with Asia Minor, the Near East, and Egypt shaped the city, and Phoenician influences were particularly strong in the 8th century BCE. Under Assyrian and later Egyptian rule, Salamina maintained its prominent position, reflected in coins of King Euelthon (560–525 BCE) that identify him as ruler of the entire island. The city played a crucial role in conflicts with the Persian Empire and the Diadochi Wars. King Euagoras I allied with Athens and Pharaoh Hakor, briefly controlling Tyre and Sidon. In 306 BCE, a decisive naval battle took place near Salamina, where Antigonus I defeated Ptolemy I. From 515 BCE, Salamina was the first Cypriot city to mint its own coins. After earthquakes in 332 and 342 CE, the city was rebuilt under Constantius II as “Constantia” and replaced Paphos as the island's metropolis. In the 7th century CE, Arab raids and natural disasters led to the decline of Constantia and the rise of neighboring Famagusta.

The ancient city of Salamina is located in Famagusta, in the Gazimağusa district of Northern Cyprus, part of Cyprus. Its ruins lie at an elevation of approximately 5 meters above sea level.

Visitors can explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Salamina today and delve into its history.

• St. Barnabas Monastery (Sacred Building), approx. 2.4 km away
• Ancient City of Enkomi (Ancient Buildings), approx. 3.7 km away
• Famagusta City Walls-Martinengo Bastion (City Fortification), approx. 7.0 km away
• Armenian Church (Ancient Buildings), approx. 7.2 km away