Soli, Cyprus

Soli or Soloi (Greek: Σόλοι) is an ancient Greek city on the island of Cyprus, next to the town of Karavostasi, southwest of Morphou (Guzelyurt), and on the coast of the gulf of Morphou. The site was captured by Turkey during the 1974 invasion and is currently controlled by Northern Cyprus.

Originally, Soli was located in a much more constricted geographical location. At its current location, the entire urban centre was designed by Solon during his 10-year trip, after whom the name Soli is commonly attributed. Reyes, however, disputes this etymological origin, as the name Soli appears on the Esarhaddon prism predating Solon's visit. Soli was one of the ten city-kingdoms of Cyprus at the time.

What remains today is mainly from the Roman period, including the mosaic floor of the basilica with its wealth of birds, animals and geometric designs and a picture of a swan. There is a theatre but it has been renovated to the point that it no longer has any atmosphere of its original age.

A trio of ancient underground tombs has been discovered near Soli. The tombs were excavated in 2005 and 2006. Two of the tombs contained many findings, but the third tomb was empty as a result of looting. The findings indicate a high level of wealth and power. Some of the vessels found are similar to items typically produced in Athens. The artifacts are on display at the Museum of Archeology and Nature in Morphou.

According to ancient written sources the city was supplying Athens with timber and copper and in return getting luxurious metal vessels from there.