The mystique of Cyprus is rooted in both its legendary beauty and millennia of competing empires, all unable to resist the island's strategic allure. Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and an ideal starting point for the discovery of other exotic locations such as the Greek Islands , Egypt and the Middle East . But close as Cyprus may be to the world's centre stage, its rich history has given it a truly distinctive character.
In antiquity, abundant copper put small Cyprus on the map. In the late Bronze Age, Mycenaean Greeks settled on Cyprus and established trade links with Egypt and the Aegean islands. This is also the period when ceramic art first flourished. As centuries drifted by, the island came under Persian, Assyrian, Egyptian, and Roman rule.
It was during the latter era that Marc Anthony, enraptured by the island's sweet wines, gave Cyprus as a gift to his lover, Cleopatra. After a long period of Byzantine domination, European awareness of Cyprus surged with the Crusades. In 1191 a fierce sea storm led Richard the Lionheart to put his ship into port at Lemesos and claim the island as his own. From 1489 to 1571 the flag of Venice flew in Cyprus , until the Ottoman Turks moved in. That era ended in 1878 when Cyprus became part of the British Empire.
Despite a turbulent past, or perhaps because of it, the Cypriots themselves are a resilient people. They have always remained a distinct culture - different even from their closest cousins, the Greeks - and retained their unique character.
The Republic of Cyprus achieved independence in 1960, and on 1 May 2004 it officially joined the European Union as a full member.
Cyprus through the Age
With a history dating back to the Neolithic Age, Cyprus has been described as one big archaeological site. Dig deep enough, anywhere, and some traces of history are likely to surface! The following timeline gives you a brief overview of the island's past.
• 8200-3900 Neolithic Age
The exceptionally well-preserved ancient site of Choirokoitia (32 km from Larnaka) dates back to this period.
• 3900-2500 BC Chalcolithic Age
Between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, copper was discovered in Cyprus and exploited on a small scale.
• 2500-1050 BC Bronze Age
Cyprus is known by the name of Alasia. Trade develops with the Near East, Egypt and the Aegean . After 1400 BC Mycenaean merchants from Greece arrive on the island. During the 12th and 11th centuries, waves of Achaean Greeks bring their language, religion and customs to the island. The first city-kingdoms of Pafos, Salamis , Kition and Kourion are established.
• 1050-750 BC Geometric Period
Cyprus is now firmly Greek, with ten city-kingdoms. The cult of Aphrodite flourishes around her legendary birthplace on the island at Petra tou Romiou.
• 750-325 BC Archaic and Classical Period
The island is conquered successively by Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians. King Evagoras of Salamis unifies Cyprus which welcomes Alexander the Great and becomes part of his empire.
• 325-58 BC Hellenistic Period
After Alexander's death, Cyprus comes under the Hellenistic rule of the Ptolemies of Egypt, who abolish the city-kingdoms and unify Cyprus , with Pafos as its capital.
• 58 BC - 330 AD Roman Period
Cyprus comes under the dominion of the Roman Empire. The island is visited by the Saints Paul and Barnabas, and it becomes the first country to be governed by a converted Christian.
• 330-1191 AD Byzantine Period
Cyprus comes under the Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium , with Constantinople as its capital. Christianity is the official religion. Between 647 and 695 the Arabs raid the island repeatedly until they are expelled by Emperor Nicephoros Phocas.
• 1191-1192 Richard the Lionheart and the Templars
Richard the Lionheart takes possession of Cyprus.
A year later he sells the island to the Knights Templars who resell it to Guy de Lusignan, deposed King of Jerusalem.
• 1192-1489 Lusignan Period
The feudal system takes hold on the island, and the Catholic Church officially replaces the Greek Orthodox, which survives despite severe suppression. The era of the Lusignan dynasty ends in 1489 when Cyprus is delivered to the Venetians.
• 1489-1571 Venetian Period
The Venetians view Cyprus as the last bastion against the Ottomans, and fortify the cities of Lefkosia and Ammochostos with impressive walls.
• 1571-1871 Ottoman Period
The Ottomans attack Cyprus in 1571 and the island falls after a long siege. The Latin leadership is expelled, the Greek Orthodox Church is restored and the Archbishop eventually accepted as the people's representative. A Muslim minority acquires Cypriot identity.
• 1878-1960 British Period
Under the 1878 Cyprus Convention, Britain assumes administration of the island, which is annexed after World War I, and eventually declared a Crown colony in 1925. A national liberation struggle takes place from 1955-1959.
• 1960 Republic of Cyprus
According to the Zurich -London Treaty Cyprus becomes an independent republic on 16 August 1960. Turkey invades Cyprus on 20 July 1974 and occupies 37% of the island. The division is maintained by force until the present day. Efforts to find a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem and to reunite the island are currently at their height.
