Colonization and continuity in the early prehistory of Cyprus

Abstract

Abstract The paper discusses the alternative hypotheses of colonization and continuity of indigenous settlement to account for two different phases of prehistoric occupation in Cyprus. The distribution of sixth‐millennium B.C. settlement is examined in the light of a model proposing an initial colonization of the island at that date, and the implications for study of contemporary developments in the Levant are pointed out. Although there are hints of continuity of occupation between the sixth and fourth millennium, the evidence of defended sites and site distribution can be interpreted in terms of a further immigration to the island in the early fourth millennium.