Paphos People

Saturday, February 23, 2008

A PAPHOS street is to be named after a Danish King buried in the town over 900 years ago.

The street will be in homage to Erik I after a suggestion by Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoulli, with a special ceremony to take place on March 27 in the town.
Eric I of Denmark (c. 1070–1103), also known as Erik Ejegod (literally Eric Evergood), became King of Denmark following his brother Olaf I in 1095.

He died in Paphos on his way to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem after the city was conquered during the First Crusade. He is believed to have been forced to dock in Paphos as a result of rough seas.

His wife Boedil Thurgotsdatter made it to the Holy Land, where she is said to have died.

Back in October, Haarder, on a visit to the island, met with his Cypriot counterpart Akis Kleanthous and they visited an old chapel in the Chrysopolitis area of the town, the site of several chapels through the centuries.

In 2002, the Antiquities Department erected a small monument in memory of the King at the chapel, “which both of us commemorated on our visit”, the Minister stated at the time.

He also said that, “whether we find Eric’s remains or not, there is no doubt that he died here and this shows that the good relations between our two countries started 900 years ago.”

Archaeological officer Stasis Raptou explained that he was not confident of finding Eric’s final resting place though.

“I have studied both Danish and Cypriot records and nowhere does there exist any information about the exact location. Only Paphos in general is mentioned.”

He added: “There is no trace left of any mediaeval churches that were around at the time, meaning we really have no idea where to look, due to a complete lack of information.”

Danish Ambassador to Nicosia, Svend Waever yesterday told the Mail that if the location was ever discovered, “it would be a very interesting find indeed”.

Commenting on the street naming, he described it as, “a great idea, as it demonstrates the long-standing friendship between Cyprus and Denmark.”

Commenting, the Secretary of Paphos Municipality explained: “This gesture, on behalf of our Municipal Council, promotes the history of Paphos, as the burial of the king is part of our mediaeval history.”

Themis Filippidis added that the street in question is located parallel to St Paul’s Avenue, at the entrance to the archaeological site containing St Paul’s Pillar and the Chrysopolitis Basilica (Ayia Kyriaki Church).

Mediaeval chroniclers and myths portray Eric as a, “strapping fellow” appealing to the common people, a loud man who liked parties and who led a rather dissipated private life.



Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008