Researchers have discovered a 2,400-year-old underground tomb complex, containing remains of what appears to be an aristocratic family, near the ancient city of Soloi in northern Cyprus.
The complex contains three burial chambers, two of which were intact while the third had been looted.
In the unlooted chambers, archaeologists found human remains as well as jewelry, figurines, weapons and a collection of 16 vessels used to serve people attending a "symposium," an event in the ancient world where men drank, talked and enjoyed entertainment.
One of the chambers held an intricate gold wreath in the shape of an ivy plant, 'Live Science' reported.
The artifacts found in the tomb complex show evidence of trade between the ancient people of Soloi and Athens, said archaeologist Hazar Kaba, from Ankara University in Turkey.
"This tomb complex surely proves that Soloi was in direct relationship with Athens, who was the naval power of the period," Kaba said.
"Soloi was supplying Athens with its rich timber and copper sources, and in return, was obtaining luxurious goods such as symposium vessels," Kaba said, noting that artists from Athens appear to have taken up residence in Soloi, influencing the design of the artifacts made there.
One of the intact burial chambers contains the remains of a man, a woman and a little girl. Iron spearheads and a shield were buried with the man, Kaba said.
The second unlooted chamber contained the remains of a woman and a young girl. The third chamber was empty.
The people buried in the complex were likely from a wealthy aristocratic family, Kaba said.
