Welcome address by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, at the international, hybrid workshop “From Clay to Cargo”, at the University of Cyprus

From:

Deputy Ministry of Culture

08/11/25 13:01 | Speech / Address | Culture

It is with great pleasure to be here with you today for the opening of this important international workshop “From Clay to Cargo: Tracing Technological Traditions of Maritime Transport Containers in the Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age Eastern Mediterranean”, organised in the framework of the “ComPAS” research project.

I still remember the excitement and jubilation when we found out that Dr Artemis Georgiou received this prestigious ERC starting grant, the first ERC in Archaeology for Cyprus. We are all very proud of Artemis, an alumna of the Department of History and Archaeology of the University of Cyprus, for what she has achieved so far.

This event brings together a distinguished community of scholars, many of whom are good friends and with whom I have had the pleasure of collaborating in the past. The workshop will explore the technological traditions that shaped maritime transport in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Eastern Mediterranean. It highlights one of the most dynamic and thought-provoking areas of archaeological inquiry: the study of the technologies of material culture. By investigating the technological traditions behind maritime transport containers, this meeting highlights the intricate relationship between technology, economy, and society, allowing us to gain a deeper insight into the ancient communities that once dotted the Mediterranean, as well as the character of their connections.

Having devoted much of my academic career to the study of Cypriot archaeology, connectivity, and ancient technologies, the theme of this workshop resonates deeply with me. In my current capacity as the Deputy Minister of Culture, I hold a firm belief that the study of our past is inseparable from the shaping of our cultural identity and our vision for the future. Archaeology is a way of understanding the long continuum of human experience, of creativity, exchange, connectivity, and resilience, elements that continue to define us today.

Initiatives such as the ComPAS project, with its dynamic team of researchers, exemplify the power of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, yielding significant new results. As I have already mentioned, ComPAS is funded by the highly competitive European Research Council (ERC) grants, and we take particular pride in supporting such endeavours, which reflect the excellence of the research community at the Archaeological Research Unit of the University of Cyprus.

The Deputy Ministry of Culture remains committed to major cultural initiatives that ensure Cyprus’ rich heritage is studied at the highest level, preserved, celebrated, and made accessible for generations to come. The Department of Antiquities which celebrates 90 years this year has always been at the forefront of these efforts, as it is responsible for all the archaeological sites of all the island and sixteen museums.

The Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, which is currently under construction, stands as a landmark project of national significance, a cultural beacon that will redefine the way our archaeological heritage is experienced and understood. Designed to present the island’s treasures within a state-of-the-art, interactive environment, the Museum will embody a new philosophy of openness, education, and engagement, inviting visitors to explore the creativity, diversity, and resilience that have shaped Cypriot civilisation through time.

Closing this short opening speech, I would like extend my sincere congratulations to the organising committee, Drs Maria Choleva, Marcella Giobbe, Maria Dikomitou-Eliadou and Artemis Georgiou, for their excellent organisation of this workshop and their continued contribution to advancing Cypriot and Mediterranean archaeology.

I am confident that the discussions over the next two days will yield valuable insights, foster collaboration, and further highlight the dynamic character of Mediterranean connectivity.

Thank you, and I wish you a most successful and inspiring workshop.

(EK/NZ/MS)

Welcome address by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, at the international, hybrid workshop “From Clay to Cargo”, at the University of Cyprus

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