4026) National Archaeological Discoveries, Cyprus: Cyprus Postal Service (Cyprus Post) has issued two EUROPA Stamps of 0.64 Euro each depicting a hippodrome scene on a mosaic floor which was discovered during excavations conducted by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus near the community of Akaki, Nicosia District: Date of Issue: 9th May 2025:
Cyprus (Turkish post) 2025:
Cyprus is not a Turkish dependency. While the northern part of the island is controlled by Turkish Cypriots and recognised only by Turkey, the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state and a member of the European Union.
The northern area, known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is considered by the international community to be occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
NOTE: the stamps issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are not recognised on an international level, not by the UPU nor by PostEurop.
About EUROPA Stamps:
EUROPA Stamps are special stamps issued by European postal administrations.
They bear the official EUROPA logo, a PostEurop registered trademark under the aegis of PostEurop in which Europe is the central theme.
EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world and have been issued for over 60 years.
Every year a new theme is assigned by PostEurop and all participating countries issue stamps with their own interpretation of the theme. The theme for 2025 is "National Archeological Discoveries".
More about EUROPA Postage Stamps:
EUROPA Postage stamps (also known as Europa - CEPT - European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations - until 1992) are special stamps issued by European Postal Administrations/Enterprises and bears the official EUROPA logo, a PostEurop registered trademark under the aegis of PostEurop in which Europe is the central theme.
EUROPA stamps underline cooperation in the posts domain, aimed at promotion of philately. They also build awareness of the common roots, culture and history of Europe and its common goals.
As such, EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world.
Since the first issue in 1956, EUROPA stamps have been a tangible symbol of Europe's desire for closer integration and co-operation.
In 1993, PostEurop became responsible for issuing EUROPA stamps.
When CEPT decided to focus more on telecommunications in 1993, PostEurop took over the management of the Europa issues. The CEPT logo was replaced by a new logo created by PostEurop i.e. the word "EUROPA" leaning towards the right hand side.
Each year, PostEurop's "Stamps & Philately Group" selects the EUROPA stamp theme:
1993 - Contemporary Art
1994 - Great Discoveries
1995 - Peace and Freedom
1996 - Famous women
1997 - Tales and legends
1998 - Festivals and National Celebrations
1999 - Nature Reserves and Parks
2000 - Common Design. Tower of 6 stars
2001 - Water - Treasure of Nature
2002 - The Circus
2003 - Poster Art
2004 - Holidays
2005 - Gastronomy
2006 - Integration through the eyes of Young People
2007 - Scout Centenary
2008 - Writing Letters
2009 - Astronomy
2010 - Children Books
2011 - Forests - International Year of Forests
2012 - Visit …. (for instance "Visit Finland" etc.)
2013 - Van of the Postman - Postal vehicles
2014 - Musical instruments - National musical instruments
2015 - Old Toys
2016 - Ecology in Europe - "Think Green". Common Design
2017 - Castles
2018 - Bridges
2019 - National Birds
2020 - Ancient Postal Routes
2021 - Endangered National Wildlife
2022 - Stories & Myths.
2023 - PEACE – The highest value of humanity
2024 - Underwater fauna and flora
2025 - National Archaeological discoveries
2026 - Common design: 70th anniversary of EUROPA stamps
2027 - Street art
About EUROPA - National Archaeological Discoveries, Cyprus: Cyprus Postal Service (Cyprus Post) has issued two EUROPA Stamps of 0.64 Euro depicting a hippodrome scene on a mosaic floor which was discovered during excavations conducted by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus near the community of Akaki, Nicosia District: Date of Issue: 9th May 2025:
Two stamps se-tenant (2x 0.64 €)
- Both stamps are issued in a mini sheet of 8 stamps (4 of each)
- Both stamps are also issued in one booklet of 8 stamps (4 of each) - stamps from the booklet aren't perforated on one side.
Mosaic Floor Depicting a Hippodrome Scene:
The mosaic floor depicting a hippodrome scene was discovered during excavations conducted by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus near the community of Akaki, Nicosia District. It is part of the floor decoration of a rural villa dating to the 4th century AD, which was excavated between 2023 and 2024.
The mosaic floor, measuring twenty-six metres in length, illustrates a chariot race unfolding within a hippodrome, which is rendered with great detail.
The euripus or spina is clearly depicted, featuring various shrines, columns, obelisks, and sculptures that were used for timekeeping and lap counting during the race.
Four tethrippon (four-horse chariots) participate in the race, shown in four different phases of the competition.
Each chariot is accompanied by two names written in Greek: the name of the charioteer and the name of one of the horses, allowing to follow the progression of the race.
The newly discovered mosaic from Akaki is unique in Cyprus and stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship but also because it provides a rare iconographic representation of chariot race during the Roman period.
The EUROPA Stamps:
Two stamps se-tenant (2x 0.64 €)
- Both stamps are issued in a mini sheet of 8 stamps (4 of each)
- Both stamps are also issued in one booklet of 8 stamps (4 of each) - stamps from the booklet aren't perforated on one side.
The Block of four Stamps each
Links:
17) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Old Road Majstorska Cesta", Croatia: A Se-tenant of two Stamps of the values of 8.60 HRK issued by Croatian Post: Date of stamp issue: 08.05.2020
Some interesting Posts on Cyprus:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very interesting and informative post 👍👍"
Thank you so much, Trikha sahab.
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