George Papasavvas

George Papasavvas is an Associate Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Cyprus's Department of History and Archaeology, within the Faculty of Letters. He holds a PhD from the University of Athens and has conducted extensive research on Cypriot and Cretan metalwork, Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age societies, and ancient Mediterranean trade networks. His academic roles include teaching a wide range of courses, coordinating international research projects, and serving as Chairperson of the Department of History and Archaeology (2013–2018).

He has led excavations at key sites such as the Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite at Syme Viannou (Crete) and Xombourgo (Tenos), and has contributed to major projects like the 'Enkomi Metallurgy' initiative funded by the University of Cyprus. His research interests focus on metallurgy, ancient sanctuaries, and the cultural and economic ties between Cyprus, Crete, and the broader Mediterranean.

Papasavvas is a co-editor of the Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum project and leads the Postgraduate Program 'Mediterranean Archaeology: from Prehistory to the Byzantine era.' His work integrates interdisciplinary methods, including XRF spectroscopy and GIS, to analyze ancient materials and landscapes. He has authored over 50 publications, including monographs on Cypriot bronze stands and the socio-political dynamics of Enkomi in the Bronze Age.

• Education:
• Bachelor’s in Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology, University of Ioannina, Greece
• Postgraduate Studies in Classical Archaeology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Germany
• PhD, University of Athens (Cypriot and Cretan Metalwork)

Research Highlights: Papasavvas has pioneered studies on Cypriot metallurgical practices, particularly at Enkomi, and the role of metal artifacts in religious and socio-political contexts. His analysis of oxhide ingots and bronze statuettes (e.g., the 'Ingot God') has reshaped understanding of trade networks and divine symbolism in the Late Bronze Age. He also investigates the material culture of elite women and the evolution of Cretan sanctuaries in the Early Iron Age.

Grants and Projects: He coordinates EU-funded initiatives like the MedSTACH Center of Excellence and the Enkomi Metallurgy project. His collaborative work includes the NARNIA network for ancient materials research and the Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum.

Publications: His recent monographs include Trench Warfare at Enkomi (2023) and over 40 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from Cypriot bronze composition to the cultural legacy of Enkomi.