In a television broadcast, Dr. Angelos Smagas, associate of the Municipality of Paralimni - Derynia for historical - archaeological issues, spoke with documentation about the Cave of Cyclops, one of the most important historical and archaeological landmarks of the region.
He referred, among other things, to the long history of the Cave, which has been a refuge for human presence since prehistoric times. As he explained, stone tools found in the area prove that the first settlements date back to 12,000 years ago. At that time, dwarf hippopotami lived in Cyprus, whose fossilised bones are still found in the rocks of the area. At the same time, the rocky coastline of Paralimni, with its thousands of fossilised shells, is a geological monument, having emerged from the collisions of continental plates over 1.5 million years ago.
Of particular interest was his reference to the name of the cave. According to mythological tradition, it is associated with cyclops that were shipwrecked in the area. However, Dr. Smagas emphasized the connection with Antigonus "Cyclops", successor of Alexander the Great, who acquired the nickname because he lost his eye in battle. Antigonus, attempting to dominate over the other successors, sent his son, Demetrius Poliorcetes, to clash with Ptolemy in southeastern Cyprus. In the famous naval battle of Lefkollas, one of the most important of all time, Demetrius defeated the opposing fleet, sinking many ships that still lie on the sandy seabed of Mount Connus today. This victory gave his father control of the Eastern Mediterranean and the title of king, while Demetrius himself ordered the creation of the famous sculpture "The Victory of Samothrace", which today adorns the Louvre Museum.
Dr. Smagas did not fail to highlight the more modern aspects of the history of the cave. He spoke about the struggle of EOKA, during which the Cave of the Cyclops was a hideout for fighters, including Grigoris Afxentiou. He also made special mention of its use by Jewish refugees who, with the help of Paralimni and Deryneia residents, escaping from the British internment camps (1946-1949), hid in the Cave until they found a way to continue their journey to Palestine.
Concluding his interview, Dr. Smagas stressed that the Cave of Cyclops is only one of the many archaeological sites of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, which on the initiative of the Mayor Mr. George Nicolettos have been included in archaeological walking routes. Thus, the cultural heritage of the area is not only highlighted, but also offers a modern, alternative way of promoting the area as a tourist destination.