Crossroads Roundup: Temple Complexes Discovered in Peru and Cyprus, a Fire at Rouen Cathedral, and France Gets a Cheese Museum

Our favorite stories on art, archaeology, folklore, and more from this past week.

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Temple complex discovered in Cyprus. © University of Sienna

Two major temple complexes, both 4,000 years old, discovered a world away from each other…

This week, researchers on opposite ends of the globe announced the discovery of 4,000-year-old temple complexes in Cyprus and Peru. 

The discovery in Cyprus is part of an ongoing excavation by the Erimi Archaeological Project. The team discovered the temple on a high limestone terrace above the Kouris River; the Bronze Age site included a central monolith, dyeing vats, residential dwellings, and workshops. The temple dates between 2000 and 1600 B.C., making it the oldest ceremonial structure on Cyprus. 

Field Museum scientist Luis Muro Ynoñán photographed before an ancient temple complex discovered outside Zaña, Peru. © Ucupe Cultural Landscape Archaeological Project