Alexandrian traditions and transformations in the residential architecture of Cyprus during the imperial age

Abstract

We have compared the reception areas of two houses in Kourion that are similar in chronology and decorative forms, dating from the first half of the 2nd century AD or a little later, with that of a house in Paphos, that of Orpheus, in its phase of amalgamation of the previous housing units, which must have taken place in the Severan period. The first two still reflect the Hellenistic dwelling tradition for the use of the Doric order in the porticoed courtyards and Alexandrian Corinthian in the main reception hall, albeit in the simplified form (so-called Nabatean Corinthian or blocked out capitals) established in Cyprus during the second half of the 1st century AD. The third overcame and integrated the influences of Alexandrian Hellenism with new trends linked to imperial architecture. The builders replaced the Doric order with the Ionic in the porticoed court and introduced architectural decorative elements and Corinthian capitals in greater numbers and in other locations, such as triclinia and bathhouse. In addition, they opened tripartite entrances through columns or pillars on the outer front of the main halls.Thus, we have highlighted an architectural articulation of façades that we encounter not only in Cyprus, but also in Egypt and Cyrenaica. What characterised their reception halls was the particularity of a façade obtained by means of pillars, and/or columns or semi-columns leaning against the wall arranged to frame the doors and windows. The relative entablature was not horizontal but with projections and recesses.

Keywords: Cyprus, Houses in Kourion and in Paphos, Ellenistic traditions