The study of the impact of geological, petrographical, environmental conditions, and deterioration factors on the archaeological site of the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, SW Cyprus

The study area is located in Paphos, at the archaeological site of the necropolis known as the "Tombs of the Kings," on the northeastern side of the city, just outside the ancient fortification wall. Covering about 1.2 square kilometers and situated approximately 150 meters from the coast, the site served as a burial ground for the political and administrative elite of Cyprus during the Ptolemaic period (3rd century B.C.). The rock-cut tombs are considered rare examples of Hellenistic architecture in Paphos and are therefore recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage, making their preservation essential. The site includes eight burial monuments, and this study focuses specifically on two of them, tombs 3 and 4. This paper investigates existing structural failures related to the quality of the rock and its surrounding environmental conditions. The fieldwork conducted involved measurements of the orientation of tectonic discontinuities and rock fractures, as well as the collection of petrological samples and photographic documentation of the damage. The area was also used as a quarry from the Hellenistic to the Roman period, resulting in the extensive extraction of stone blocks for construction purposes, which contributed over time to the deterioration of the material. Both surface and underground defects have been identified, though the precise origins of these failures are difficult to determine due to the site's long and varied history. Possible causes include the site's proximity to the sea, high humidity, and wind-driven salt spray, all contributing to the “honeycomb” weathering phenomenon. Additionally, cracks aligned with a north-south fault suggest that regional micro-seismic activity also plays a role in the monument’s degradation, while air pollution appears to have minimal impact.