Following the example of Alexander the Great, the Ptolemean founded many new cities. In Cyprus the city of Marion (today’s Polis Chrysochous) was rebuilt at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C , after the complete destruction by Ptolemean A’ and was named Arsinoe in memory of Arsinoe B’ , sister and wife of Ptolemean Filadelphos.  Two other towns with the name of Arsinoe were built, the first is Salamina to the east of Cyprus and the second is in the Paphos district between New and Old Paphos. This city according to Stravona has a temple and a holly garden which haven’t been found. The temple was possibly dedicated to the Queen Arsinoe which was loved in Paphos as was Aphrodite and many kings and queens of the Ptolemean.

Marion Kings

The ancient kingdom of Marion, with its capital city (today’s Polis Chrysochous) was also in the Paphos district. As inscriptions and coins show, we know the names of only 5 Kings of Marion:

  1. Doxandros (5th century B.C)
  2. Sasmas ( 5th century B.C)
  3. Stasiikos A’ (5th century B.C)
  4. Timocharis (5th century B.C)
  5. Stasiikos B’ (5th century B.C)
Ancient City of Marion photos: 
Ancient City of Marion location map: 

Nearby Places and things to do (within 5 km radius)

Paphos Town Hall Square

Situated in the historic city of Paphos, Town Hall Square is a vibrant hub of activity and a central landmark that beautifully encapsulates ...

Paphos Municipal Library

The Paphos Municipal Library was founded in 1946 , by the mayor of Paphos Christodoulo Galatopoulo (1943-1953), whose name was given to the ...

Kostis Palama Square / Erotas Square , Paphos

Kostis Palama Square or Erotas Square is situated in the heart of Ktima in Pano Paphos. More specifically visitors will come across it while...

Paphos Old Town (Ktima)

Unlike the other towns in Cyprus, Paphos has two separate geographical locations that developed in different phases in history: Nea Paphos a...

Palia Ilektirki Cultural Centre (Old Powerhouse) - Paphos

Palia Ilektriki is an old powerhouse which has been transformed into a Cultural Centre by the Paphos Municipality.  The prolonged and n...

Paphos Ancient Theatre

The Paphos Ancient Theatre, is located at the northeast corner of the ancient city in Paphos diagonally of the port. It was possibly buil...

Pages