Kourion (or Curium in Latin) was once one of the most important and glorious ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. It is referred to for the first time in an Egyptian inscription dated sometime between 1198 - 1167 BC and has gone through various reincarnations since then.
This cache will take you to the Stadium of the ancient city; dating from the time of the Antonine Emperors (AD 138 - 180) to the second half of the 4th century AD it is easy to imagine the games and athletics that must have taken place here.
Apart from foot races, which were the main events taking place on the track, the ancient Greek Pentathlon, comprising running, jumping, wrestling and throwing the discus and javelin were carried out in the arena. About 15m from the eastern end of the arena two circular holes, probably for holding stone posts, suggest the existence of a straight starting line for more than eight runners.
The athletic games in the Stadium were financed by the city of Kourion and were organised either in memory of specific events, such as the great victories of the Roman Army and the birthday of the Emperors, or on the occasion of special festivals for certain celebrations including the worship of Apollo, the protector god of Kourion.