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History of Erimi
a story of many centuries

Erimi, near Kolossi, Episkopi and Kourion, an integral part of a wider cultural area, enchants you both for its admirable archeology and for its contemporary economic development.

It makes you wonder where you will pay more attention in your descriptions of the settlement: in what you see and is constantly changing, or in what belongs in the past but where with its remarkable contribution it has forever sealed the history of both the village and Cyprus as a whole.

The current and perhaps the prehistoric settlement of Erimi is closely intertwined with the river Kouris, which in the old days would host more quantity of water in its bed. Similar to the present day, in the old days, the economy was an important factor in the development of the culture. However, today Erimi is built very close to the big city of Limassol, next to the military base of Episkopi – Akrotiri, while the main road Limassol – Paphos crosses through the village.

The village has solved the employment problem, while in the few available extends both dry and irrigated plants are cultivated. Alongside the few citrus fruits, vines, vegetables, olives trees and carob trees, during the spring months a unique variety of wildflowers grows next to the dry crops, creating a unique festival of colors. Flowering gardens with rare, often exotic plants are also impressive.

Recently the village is experiencing another economic development. Modern, often luxurious farmhouses, in prominent locations of the settlement were built with an urban plan and are rented or sold to foreigners. Thus the color, the light, the temperature and the shapely terrain – abundant in natural resources of the Erimi – are offered for tourist and holiday development.

The medieval history of the village is testified by sources, and as Mas Latri mentions, Erimi was a settlement of the Great Commandaria. But both churches of the village, that of Panagia and the other of Saint George are medieval, regardless of whether the second one has been completely destroyed and has recently been renovated, to the point where its medieval character has disappeared.

The archeological site, where the excavations were carried out to reveal the Chalcolithic settlement of Erimi, is no longer visible. Only a few elderly villagers will show you the location, which is now covered in dust and vegetation.

The Chalcolithic settlement of Erimi, between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, is a milestone in the history of Cypriot archeology. Although the bronze objects of this period are rare, nevertheless the emergence of bronze inaugurates a new cultural phase in the prehistory of Cyprus. It is, indeed, sad because the visitor cannot witness in person, similar to the Tent or Hoirokoitia, the circular buildings dug in the natural rock with a structure made of wood and mud. It is reported that in a tomb next to the settlement a bronze knife was discovered, a specimen of the revolutionary period of the Bronze Age, which only now emerged in Erimi. Although the Chalcolithic period is short, it is important in the introduction of new styles in the decoration of the ceramics and especially in the red shiny vessels. A very interesting Pithos from Erimi is housed in the Cyprus Museum of Nicosia. It demonstrates curved lines, flat base and cylindrical solid grip under the lip. The outer surface is decorated with metopes, some vertical and one horizontal.

Although the inhabitants of ancient Erimi were mainly engaged in agriculture and stockraising, pottery was nevertheless a familiar occupation, which is reflected in the abundant pottery found on the floors of houses. The stone vessels found are of inferior quality to those of the Neolithic period. However, some cross-shaped steatite icons are much superior from their respective stone prototypes of the Neolithic era.

The synchronization but especially the ancient settlement of Erimi attracts the visitor who is seeking to discover the deep roots of our villages. From the depths of the centuries begins the history of this village, which flourished during the Chalcolithic era, as well as the Middle Ages. Today a new Erimi is being created with agricultural, touristic and the economic activity in general.