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the online collection of collections for the humanities

Collections : Pierides Museum, Larnaca, Cyprus

The collection of the Pierides Foundation Museum of Cyprus. Located in Larnaca, Cyprus.

The important archaeological collection of the Pierides Foundation Museum in Larnaca, Cyprus, was begun in 1839 by Demetrios Pierides at a time which was critical for the cultural heritage and archaeology of Cyprus. In the nineteenth century under the Ottoman rule there was no protection of antiquities. Archaeological artifacts were being sold by various dealers, diplomats, and bankers to museums abroad for money. Many objects were removed from the country and lost, and the historical and archaeological information about them was also lost. Demetrios Pierides began purchasing artifacts to preserve them and keep them in Cyprus. The collection, which now numbers over 2500 objects, has been maintained and enriched by generations of the Pierides family.