Khirokitia

Khirokitia (sometimes spelled Choirokoitia; , suggested meaning Pig-cradle, from 'pig, boar' + 'place of origin, cradle') is an archaeological site on the island of Cyprus dating from the Neolithic age. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998. The site is known as one of the most important and best preserved prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean. Much of its importance lies in the evidence of an organised functional society in the form of a collective settlement, with surrounding fortifications for communal protection. The Neolithic aceramic period is represented by this settlement and around 20 other similar settlements spread throughout the island.

==Discovery== The site was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios, director of the Department of Antiquities who carried out six excavations between 1934 and 1946. His initial findings were published in The Journal of Hellenic Studies in 1934. Dikaios initially believed the settlement was established around 4000 BC. However, radiocarbon dating revealed a foundation date of around 7000 BC. Further excavations were then held in the early 1970s but were interrupted by the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. A French mission under the direction of Alain Le Brun resumed excavation of the site in 1977. It was occupied from the 7th until the 4th millennium BC.