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Digitally Bringing Ancient Cyprus Back to Life

July 17, 2026

This summer, archaeology master’s student Anna Port is investigating how digital reconstruction can reveal new insights into Bronze Age life in Maroni, Cyprus.

Anna Port sits on the ground near her archaeological site with other researchers during a snack break
Anna Port takes a snack break with other researchers near the archaeological site.

What’s the focus of your research?

My research focus is the archaeological excavation of a Bronze Age fortified complex and taking samples of Byzantine churches for dendrochronological analysis.

Anna Port works at an archaeological site
Port sands dendochronology samples in a roof of a medieval building.

What do you hope will be the impact of this work?

I hope to discuss the impacts of digital reconstruction of the sites of Maroni and Kalavasos and examine future avenues of digital inquiry, particularly for the education of museum visitors.

How will field research advance your understanding of your research in a way that classes and/or theory do not?

My work involves digitally representing spatial relationships and experiences. It is very hard to imagine archaeological sites and their scale without standing on them yourself. Furthermore, archaeology requires excavation. The robots can’t do that yet!

A cat stands on Anna Port's lap as she sits at a dining table with boats in a harbor seen out the window behind her
Port was visited by a local cat while having dinner in Zygi with project staff.

What has surprised you about your experience?

I learned so much about the political history of Cyprus and the real-world consequences of all types of historical preservation.

How did Cornell programs and/or faculty mentors help connect you with the opportunity to carry out this research?

I have never worked on a Greek site nor a Bronze Age site. I am stepping far outside of my comfort zone, but I am excited to look at how my research interest, digital reconstruction, fits within this context.

What would you say to students considering applying to Cornell for grad school?

Do it. You’ll expand your research in ways you’ve never considered!