Cyprus has a rich and complex history, shaped by various civilizations, conquests,
and struggles for independence. Here's a detailed account of Cyprus's history:
Prehistoric Cyprus (Before 1050 BC)
Early Settlements: Cyprus was first inhabited by Neolithic settlers around
10,000 BC. Archaeological evidence shows that the island's inhabitants began
to develop farming, pottery, and stone tools. The earliest settlements, such
as at Choirokoitia, reflect the transition from hunter-gatherer to settled
agricultural societies.
Bronze Age (2000–1050 BC): Cyprus became an important trading hub
during the Bronze Age, particularly for copper, which was abundant on the
island. The ancient Cypriots developed sophisticated cultures with well-
established city-states. Cyprus’s strategic location in the Eastern
Mediterranean made it a key link in trade between the Aegean, the Near East,
and Egypt.
Classical and Hellenistic Cyprus (1050 BC–30 BC)
Greek Influence and City-States: By the 12th century BC, Greek settlers
arrived on Cyprus, bringing with them Greek culture, language, and customs.
The island became divided into independent city-kingdoms, such as Salamis,
Paphos, and Kourion, with each city-state having its own ruler. The Greek
influence in Cyprus deepened, and by the 4th century BC, the island was
largely Hellenized.
Ptolemaic Rule (ca. 310–30 BC): In 310 BC, Cyprus came under the control
of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, following the death of Alexander the
Great. The Ptolemies ruled the island for nearly three centuries,
strengthening its ties with Egypt. Cyprus remained under Egyptian control
until the defeat of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC, after which it came under Roman
rule.
Roman and Byzantine Cyprus (30 BC–1191 AD)
Roman Period (30 BC–395 AD): Cyprus was annexed by the Roman Empire
in 30 BC and became a prosperous province. Under Roman rule, Cyprus
experienced stability and economic growth. The early Christians, including
the apostles Paul and Barnabas, spread Christianity on the island during the
1st century AD. The island became an important center of Christianity.
Byzantine Period (395–1191 AD): After the division of the Roman Empire
in 395 AD, Cyprus became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine
Empire). Christianity became the dominant religion, and the island flourished
under Byzantine rule. Several monasteries were built, including the famous
Kykkos Monastery. Despite repeated invasions from the Arabs in the 7th and
8th centuries, Cyprus remained under Byzantine control until the late 12th
century.
Medieval Cyprus (1191–1489)
Crusader Rule and the Lusignan Dynasty (1191–1489): Cyprus’s
medieval history was marked by the arrival of the Crusaders. In 1191, the
island was captured by Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. After
briefly being under English control, it was sold to Guy de Lusignan, a French
noble, marking the beginning of the Lusignan dynasty. The Lusignans ruled
Cyprus for nearly 300 years, during which the island became a prosperous
kingdom with strong ties to Western Europe. The Lusignan kings built
impressive castles and fortified cities, such as the ones in Nicosia and
Kyrenia.
Venetian Rule (1489–1571): In 1489, Cyprus passed into the hands of the
Venetians. The Venetians fortified the island to protect it from potential
Ottoman invasion and focused on exploiting Cyprus’s agricultural resources,
particularly its sugar industry. However, their attempts to resist the Ottomans
would ultimately fail.
Ottoman Rule (1571–1878)
Ottoman Conquest (1571): In 1571, the Ottoman Empire conquered
Cyprus after a successful siege of the Venetian-controlled city of Famagusta.
Cyprus became part of the Ottoman Empire, and the Ottoman Turks
established their rule on the island. Under Ottoman rule, the Greek Orthodox
Christians on Cyprus were granted autonomy, but the island's economy
suffered, and many Cypriots experienced social and political unrest.
Religious and Social Divisions: During the Ottoman period, the population
of Cyprus was a mixture of Greek Orthodox Christians and Muslims, leading to
some tensions and occasional conflicts. However, the island remained under
Ottoman rule for more than three centuries, during which the Ottoman
authorities allowed local communities to manage their own affairs through
the millet system.
British Rule (1878–1960)
British Administration (1878–1914): In 1878, Cyprus was leased to the
British Empire as part of a strategic arrangement with the Ottoman Empire.
The British took control of the island's administration, though it remained
formally part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I. The British introduced
new administrative and legal systems and improved infrastructure, but also
faced resistance from the Cypriot population.
Annexation and Nationalist Movements (1914–1960): In 1914, during
World War I, the British annexed Cyprus after the Ottoman Empire entered
the war on the side of the Central Powers. In the years that followed, the
Greek-Cypriot population began to push for union with Greece (Enosis), while
the Turkish-Cypriot population sought to maintain ties with the Ottoman
Empire. This tension culminated in violent clashes, leading to the outbreak of
an armed struggle for independence.
Cypriot Independence and Intercommunal Conflict (1960–1974)
Independence (1960): Cyprus gained independence from Britain on August
16, 1960, through the Zurich and London Agreements, which established a
power-sharing constitution between the Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots.
The new Republic of Cyprus was headed by a Greek-Cypriot president,
Archbishop Makarios III, with a Turkish-Cypriot vice president. Despite
independence, tensions between the two communities persisted.
Intercommunal Violence (1963–1964): By 1963, tensions between the
Greek and Turkish communities escalated into violence. The Greek-Cypriot
government attempted to amend the constitution, which was opposed by the
Turkish-Cypriots. This led to a period of intercommunal conflict and the
eventual intervention of the United Nations to maintain peace.
Coup and Turkish Invasion (1974): In 1974, a military coup led by pro-
Greek forces in Cyprus, backed by the Greek junta, overthrew President
Makarios and called for union with Greece. In response, Turkey invaded
Cyprus, citing the protection of the Turkish-Cypriot minority. The invasion
resulted in the occupation of the northern part of the island by Turkish forces,
which remains to this day.
Cyprus after 1974
Division of the Island: The Turkish invasion led to the division of Cyprus
into two parts: the Greek-Cypriot controlled south and the Turkish-Cypriot
controlled north, with a United Nations buffer zone (the Green Line)
separating the two. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
was declared in the north, although it is only recognized by Turkey. The rest of
the world, including the United Nations, considers it part of the Republic of
Cyprus.
Efforts for Reunification: Over the years, various attempts have been
made to reunite the island, including UN-led peace negotiations and a
referendum in 2004. While the Greek-Cypriot population rejected the Annan
Plan, which proposed a federal solution, the Turkish-Cypriot population
accepted it. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, with the southern
part of the island as a member, while the north remains outside of the EU.
Modern Cyprus
Ongoing Tensions: Cyprus remains divided to this day. The Republic of
Cyprus controls the southern two-thirds of the island, while the northern third
is controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The UN maintains
peacekeeping forces in the buffer zone, and efforts at reunification continue
through negotiations, though no permanent solution has been reached.
EU Membership and Economic Growth: Since joining the European Union
in 2004, Cyprus has experienced significant economic growth, especially in
tourism, finance, and services. However, the ongoing division remains a
significant issue both politically and socially.
Cyprus's history is one of cultural richness, geopolitical conflict, and resilience. The
island has endured numerous invasions and occupations, yet its identity remains a
blend of Greek, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences
