Citium ( Kition in Greek) is a city of the south-eastern coast of the island of Cyprus. In spite of its importance during the Antiquity, it remains rather badly known, partly because current the Larnaca was built on the exact site of the old city. Occupied as of 1800 av. J. - C., as testify some several tombs gone back to this time, and specialized in the production and the work of copper bound for the Egypt, the first city east seems it destroyed towards 1225 av. J. - C. by invaders Achaens undoubtedly originating in the Peloponnese. About the 12th century, the city is rebuilt by Chypriotes first of all then, after a new destruction towards 1190 av. J. - C., allotted to the Peuples of the sea, by Achaens. The city is again destroyed at the 11th century before our era by a Earthquake which destroys the cyclopean walls high by the Achaens. The installation of a counter by Phéniciens of Tyr at the 9th century, which very quickly control the city, reinforces the commercial dimension of the city. The presence Phénicie does not explain the refusal of Citium to take part in the revolt of Ionie, like the other cities of the island. Cimon dies in 449 av. J. - C. by making its seat.

In 312 av . J. - C. Ptolémée I {{er}} seizes Citium and puts at dead Pumiathon, its last king. The city remains under the domination lagide until the Roman conquest of Cyprus (58 av. J. - C.).