Khirokitia is an archaeological site located on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. It represents the remains of an early Neolithic settlement and is one of the most important prehistoric sites on the island. Khirokitia provides valuable insights into the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture and the development of complex societies.

Key features and information about Khirokitia:

1. Location:
   • Khirokitia is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, approximately 6 kilometers inland from the modern city of Larnaca. It occupies a strategic position overlooking the fertile Mesaoria plain.
2. Time Period:
   • The settlement at Khirokitia dates back to the Late Aceramic Neolithic period, roughly between 7000 and 4500 BCE. This period is characterized by the absence of ceramic pottery, and the people of Khirokitia relied on stone tools for various activities.
3. Settlement Layout:
   • Khirokitia is organized into a series of circular dwellings, some of which are interconnected. The houses are made of sun-dried mud bricks and have stone foundations. The circular shape of the dwellings is a distinctive architectural feature.
4. Fortifications:
   • The site is surrounded by a defensive wall, suggesting a degree of social organization and a need for protection. The presence of fortifications indicates a level of communal planning and cooperation.
5. Stone Tools and Artifacts:
   • The inhabitants of Khirokitia used stone tools for various purposes, including hunting, farming, and crafting. Archaeological excavations have revealed a variety of artifacts such as stone axes, grinding tools, and figurines.
6. Burial Practices:
   • Khirokitia features a cemetery with elaborate burial practices. Some burials include grave goods, and the deceased were often interred in a flexed position. The presence of grave goods suggests a belief in an afterlife or rituals associated with the deceased.
7. Economy and Subsistence:
   • The economy of Khirokitia was based on a combination of hunting, fishing, and early agricultural practices. The inhabitants engaged in farming, cultivating crops such as cereals and legumes. The site’s proximity to the sea also facilitated fishing activities.
8. Cultural Connections:
   • Khirokitia was part of a wider cultural phenomenon known as the “Khirokitia Culture.” Similar Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean, including on the island of Cyprus and nearby regions, shared common characteristics in terms of settlement layout, architecture, and material culture.
9. UNESCO World Heritage Site:
   • In 1998, Khirokitia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its importance in understanding the development of early agricultural societies in the eastern Mediterranean.
10. Visitor Access:
    • Khirokitia is open to visitors, and an on-site museum provides information about the archaeological findings and the Neolithic way of life. Visitors can explore the reconstructed dwellings and gain insights into the daily activities of the ancient inhabitants.

Khirokitia offers a unique glimpse into the Neolithic period and the transition from a mobile, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture. The site’s well-preserved remains contribute significantly to our understanding of early human societies and the processes that led to the development of complex civilizations.