The Athienou Archaeological Project, sponsored by Davidson College and supported by a grant from National Science Foundation-Research Experience for Undergraduates, conducted its 10th season of investigations at Athienou-Malloura between 7 June and 24 July 1999. Our work involved some 40 individuals representing 20 U.S. institutions.

Phosphate analysis of soil samples from limited areas of the sanctuary and adjacent settlement confirm conclusions reached previously through excavation and survey and warrant further such testing in a more comprehensive fashion. The torrential rains that filled the trenches with 2-3 feet of water, causing difficulties and delays in the progress of our work, had a fortuitous outcome: the discovery of a long north-south wall adjacent to the intermittent stream that bisects the settlement. Built directly on bedrock, the wall may be part of a water mill (Venetian period ?) as suggested by millstones and other large stones in the vicinity.

As in the past several seasons, our work focused on the Archaic-Roman rural sanctuary. Rather than lateral exploration in search of the sanctuary's outer limits and elusive altar, this year's excavations sought to join up previously excavated areas in the sanctuary's southern portion - baulk removal - and investigate basal levels from such areas (EUs 4, 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, and 24). In EU 26, the only new area to be opened up, a stout wall ca. 0.50 m in thickness was revealed. It runs northeast-southwest and is parallel and contemporary to another wall previously discovered to the north. Rather than being a peribolos wall from the early phases of the sanctuary it may be part of a roofed structure.

This year's array of artifacts comprises terra-cotta figurines, ceramic vessels and lamps, limestone utensils (e.g., vessel lids and ash shovels), a cache of color worked pebbles, several inscriptions and pot marks in Cypriot syllabary, six coins, and limestone sculpture. A cache of statuary included four half life-size male figures: three Archaic (one draped and two "kouroi" with "Cypriot shorts") and one Classical (draped, holding a large bird).

Significant progress towards final publication was made through analysis of osteological and ceramic data from the Hellenistic-Roman cemetery at the northern periphery of the site. From tombs 25, 26, and 28 alone over 200 vessels (lagynoi, skyphoi, bowls, etc.) were reconstructed, testifying to the long use and cosmopolitan character of the tombs.