Danish minister pays tribute to crusader king

EFFORTS to find the location of the tomb of a Danish King, buried in Paphos over 900 years ago, may never be successful, the Antiquities Department said yesterday.

Eric I of Denmark (c. 1070–1103), also known as Erik Ejegod (literally Eric Evergood), became King of Denmark following his brother Olaf I in 1095.

He died in Paphos during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem after the city was conquered during the First Crusade. He is believed to have been forced to dock in Paphos as a result of rough seas.

His wife Boedil Thurgotsdatter made it to the Holy Land, where she is said to have died.

Danish Education Minister Bertel Haarder, on a curreent visit to the island, on Monday met with his Cypriot counterpart Akis Kleanthous and they visited an old chapel in the Chrysopolitis area of the town, the site of several chapels through the centuries.

In 2002, the Antiquities Department erected a small monument in memory of the King at the chapel, “which both of us commemorated on our visit, the Minister stated.

He also said that, “whether we find Eric’s remnants or not, there is no doubt that he died here and this shows that the good relations betweeen our two countries started 900 years ago.”

Archaeological officer Stasis Raptou explained that he is not confident of finding Eric’s final resting place though.

“I have studied both Danish and Cypriot records and nowhere does there exist any information about the exact location. Only Paphos is mentioned.”

He added: “There is no trace left of any mediaeval churches that were around at the time, meaning we really have no idea where to look, due to a complete lack of information.”

Danish Ambassador to Nicosia, Svend Waever yesterday told the Mail that if the location is ever discovered, “it would be a very interesting find indeed.”

Mediaeval chroniclers and myths portray Eric as a, “strapping fellow” appealing to the common people, a loud man who liked parties and who led a rather dissipated private life.