Short notes on Cyprus History

8200 – 3900 BC – Neolithic The first inhabitants.

Other settlers came from neighbouring countries. Settlements include Chirokitia; Kalavassos; Cape Apostolos Andreas, mainly around the north and south coasts of the the island.

3900 – 2500 BC – Chalcolithic

Most such communities were found in western Cyprus, where the fertility cults first emerged. Such centres include Lemba and Erimi. The beginning of the usage of copper.

2500 – 1050 BC – Bronze Age

Period of changes; migration; the heroes of the Trojan Wars – many such Greek immigrants arrived on the island, spreading the Greek language, religion and culture. Copper became a valuable trading commodity. The island was also known as Alasia.

1050 – 750 BC – Geometric Period

Many Greek Kingdoms were established such as Paleapaphos – centre of Aphrodite’s cult – Salamis, Marion Tamasos, Soloi, Lapithos. Others were under the trading and commercial influence of the Phoenicians – Kition and Amathus.

750 – 475         BC – Archaic Period

Commerce and trade which started in the 8th cent BC continued to prosper and expand.  673-669 – Assyrians controlled the island;  560-545 – The Egyptians under Pharaoh Amasis took control. 545 – The Persians arrive in the island.

475 – 325         BC – Classical Period

Partly under control of the Persians. The trader Phoenicians and the cultural Greeks ruled their kingdoms in semi autonomous power. 411-374 – King Evagoras of Salamis unifies the Greek Kingdoms under his influence. Battles between Persians and Greek Kingdoms.  Alexander the Great liberates the island from Persian rule.

325 – 58 BC – Hellenistic Years

Under the Ptolemies, the Hellenistic successors of  Alexander who established their centre in Egypt. Cyprus becomes a unified entity, part of the wider Greek World, and adopts all Greek culture, art and customs.

58 BC – 330 AD – The Romans

The island becomes part of the Roman Empire with Paphos as its administrative capital.  Its harbour was extended to accommodate Roman fleets en route to Palestine. Saints Paul and Barnabas visited the island, taught Christianity and converted the Roman Proconsul Sergius Paulus to the the new faith, the first such Roman of high rank. Jewish revolt in the island. Destructive earthquakes during 1st cent .

330 – 1191 AD – Byzantium

In 330-395 the Roman Empire was split. Cyprus came under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire, later renamed as Byzantium. The Archbishop of the island obtained Independent status from the early years. – 4th cent. saw destructive earthquakes. 7th & 10th cent-Arab raids destroyed many towns.

1191 – 1192 AD –        Richard Lionheart

Isaac Comnenos proclaimed the island for himself.   Richard the Lionheart on his 3rd Crusade to the Holyland arrived on the island, defeated him and took control. Married Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol. In 1192 he sold the island to the Knights Templar.

1192 – 1489 AD –        Lusignans

The Templars sold Cyprus to Guy de Lusignan and the island came under a Feudal administrative system, based on that of France with the Catholic Church in control, (the Orthodox Christians being persecuted).  Ammochostos – Famagusta, became a commercial centre, one of the richest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Great Gothic Cathedrals in Famagusta and Nicosia were built. Genoese controlled Famagusta 1374-1464.

1489 – 1571 AD – The Lion of Venice

Queen Catherine Cornaro ceded Cyprus to Venice  The Ottomans took control of most of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Venetians destroyed many important buildings in order to strengthen the defenses; Castles and defensive walls were built in many places.

1571 – 1878 AD – Ottoman Rule

1570 – a turning point in Cyprus’ misfortunes. Ottoman Turks landed and captured Nicosia. After a long siege, which was recorded throughout Europe, they took complete control of Famagusta the following year. Greek Orthodox Church reclaimed some of its power. There followed centuries of economic and population decline.

1878 – 1960 AD –        The British Connection

Britain took over the island’s administration; in1914 Cyprus was annexed by Britain and became a crown colony in 1925. Local unrest to unite with Greece. 1940 – the island escaped the devastating war – volunteers served with the British army.  1955 – Liberation struggle to unite Cyprus with Greece.  1959 The Zurich agreement was signed and Cyprus Republic was established.

1960 – Present day     The Republic

A new nation is created and becomes a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations, first President being Makarios, Archbishop of Cyprus. The established constitution created many problems in both administration and balance of rights which favoured

the minority – the Greek community comprised of 78% and Turks of 18%. Separate lives started to grow and the minority retreats into enclaves.

1974 – A military coup inspired by the Greek dictators, who ruled Greece at the time, to oust Makarios, results in Turkey invading the island, occupying 37% of the island, many being killed, 40% of the Greek inhabitants become refugees.

Since the 1980’s the Free areas of Cyprus have enjoyed an   unprecedented economic and tourist boom with an increased population.  In 2004 it becomes a full member of the European Community

and a joined member of the Eurozone.

Since the 1970’s continuous efforts have been made from various directions to unify the island.  Now there is more inter-communal co-operation and cross the Green Line visits are encouraged. Once the mentality in some quarters of the occupying power accept that the wellbeing of all Cypriots is within a united island, the last barriers will go quickly.

Images from Cyprus
from Renos Lavithis collection ©