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Ancient City

Salamis

SAL-uh-miss · Modern Salamis, near Famagusta, Cyprus · 35.1830° N, 33.9000° E

Salamis was the first stop of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, where Acts 13:5 records they "proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews" upon landing in Cyprus. Barnabas, a native Cypriot, is traditionally said to have returned here and been martyred near the city.

Archaeology

Excavations uncovered an extensively restored Roman theatre (seating up to 15,000) and a large gymnasium/palaestra complex with marble statuary. Excavation has been suspended since the 1974 division of Cyprus, so large parts of the site — including possible levels contemporary with Paul's visit — remain unexcavated or only partially studied.

The restored Roman theatre at Salamis, built under Augustus and enlarged under Trajan and Hadrian
The restored Roman theatre at Salamis, built under Augustus and enlarged under Trajan and Hadrian — source & licence
2nd-century statue of Aphrodite excavated from the Gymnasium of Salamis, now in the Cyprus Museum
2nd-century statue of Aphrodite excavated from the Gymnasium of Salamis, now in the Cyprus Museum — source & licence

On a modern map

Salamis today

Further reading

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