The Swedish Cyprus Expedition was a project to systematically investigate the archaeology of the entire early history of Cyprus. It took place between September 1927 and March 1931 and was led by three archaeologists: Einar Gjerstad, Erik Sjöqvist and Alfred Westholm together with architect John Lindros.[1]
Archaeological excavations were made at locations all over Cyprus including Lapithos, Nitovikla, Ajia Irini and Enkomi. The results were published in four volumes from 1934 to 1972. Most of the finds are now kept at the Cyprus Museum; Nicosia and Medelhavsmuseet, Stockholm.[2]
In the early 1970s Paul Åström from the University of Gothenburg continued the tradition of the Swedish Cyprus Expedition with his excavations at the ancient city of Hala Sultan Tekke / Dromolaxia-Vizatzia near Larnaca. He concentrated mainly on the investigation of the late history of the city, viz. the later part of Late Cypriote period (Late Bronze Age). After the untimely death of Paul Åström, Peter M. Fischer from the same university received the permission by the Department of Antiquities (2009) to continue the excavations there (2010). The main objective of the first season of the renewed excavations is to investigate the earliest history of the city which seems to have its roots in the Middle Cypriote period (Middle Bronze Age).