THE MAIN ROADS OF CYPRUS

THE MAIN ROADS OF CYPRUS.
A KETROSPECT.
The systematic construction of roads in Cyprus for vehicular traffic dates,
so far as recent times are concerned, from the British Occupation. There are
indications of the existence of thoroughfares in ancient times in certain parts of
Cyprus, notably in the Eastern plains and radiatingi from Salamis, the capital of
the Island about twenty centuries ago; but with that neglect of everything that
was useful to the advancement of civilization which characterized the Dark Ages,
they fell into disuetude and are now only discoverable by the presence of a few
irregular lines of ruined walling or causeway whose presence leads to scarcely
more than surmise of what their destiny actually was.
When the Government of Cyprus was transferred to the British Crown there
were no roads, properly so-called, in the whole Island, and the number of vehicles
were few; and even in the early years of the British Administration the history
of road making is more or less veiled in obscurity.
The maps which accompany this memorandum have been prepared partly
from old copies, originally prepared by the Government Etigineer, and partly
from records and other documentary evidence. The earliest report of work done
in this connection by the Public Works Department appears to have been
contained in Mr. S. Brown's (Government Engineer) Annual Report dated lst
March, 1881.
1880.
A copy of the Map of Cyprus which accompanied that report is preserved,
and from it diagram No. 1 of the accompanying series has beien prepared. A
copy of the report has not unfortunately been retained in the records of the
Public Works Department, however, but the map shows the following.
ROADS CONSTRUCTED OR IMPROVED SINCE THE BRITISH OCCUPATION.
Nicosia to Larnaca (following the line of the present road).
Larnaca to Famagusta, by way of Pyla and Avgoro (since partly abandoned).
Nioosia to Famagusta, by way of Ornithi, Aphania, Ashia, Vatili, Kouklia,
Kalopsida and Acheritou.
Nicosia to Kyrenia, through Dicomo and St. Catherine's Pass.
Kyrenia to Lapithos, along the route, apparently, of the present carriage road.
Nicosia to Lefka, by way of Ay: Demetios, Akakia, Peristerona, Petra and Kalo-
Khorio (Chamli Keuy) (now partly abandoned).
Kythrea to Rizo-Carpas, by way of Exometokhi, Kuru Monastir, Marathovouno,
Vi tsada, Psilatos, Lefkonico,* Gypsos, Tricomo, Kamaraes, Ay. Theodoros,
TavroB, Leonarisso, Vathylakka, Elisis, Korovia and Galinoporni.
ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΘΗΚΗ
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