The Early History of Cyprus

From ancient to modern times, the history of Cyprus has been colourful, rich and oftentimes turbulent with the island being conquered, raided and even given as a gift to Queen Cleopatra of Egypt by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
This section will give you a brief insight into some of the historical influences which have helped to shape the Cyprus of today.

History of Cyprus (9000 B.C to 1878)

Reconstruction of the circular Neolithic stone huts found at the Choirokitia archaeological site

9000 - 3800 BC: This part of the history of Cyprus sees the first human settlements established at Choirokitia & Cape Andreas
700 BC: Cyprus falls under Assyrian Rule
570 BC: The Egyptian empire takes control of Cyprus
545 BC: Voluntary submission to King Cyrus of Persia
350 BC: Cyprus joins the Greek world. Greek architectural styles are adopted and Greek dress becomes the norm
50 BC: Roman occupation starts. Many great temples, amphitheaters and baths are constructed
AD 45: St Paul converts the Roman proconsul Elymas of Paphos from the worship of Aphrodite to Christianity
330: A division in the Roman empire marks the start of the Byzantine era
700 - 1191: Periodic Arab raids of Cyprus
1191: Richard the Lionheart arrives in Limassol, proceeds to capture Cyprus and becomes its effective ruler
1192: Richard's protege Guy of Lusignan is left in control of Cyprus
1192 - 1489: The great cathedrals of Famagusta and Nicosia are constructed
1489 - 1571: Brought in to combat the Genoese contingent in Famagusta, Venetian forces decide to take control of the island themselves
1571: The Turkish Ottoman empire captures Cyprus
1878: British rule starts, see: Contemporary History

Historical Monuments of Cyprus

The island's many ancient monuments provide a fascinating insight into the history of Cyprus.

KOURION ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE:
Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula in the south of Cyprus, just to the west of Limassol on the road to Paphos, is the ancient town of Kourion which is probably most famous for its Roman amphitheater, built at the end of the 2nd century AD during the Hellenistic period, and has a capacity of some 3,500 spectators. In 1961, it was restored by the antiquities department and is now used for performances of plays, concerts and other cultural events.
Click here for more information about Kourion.

The partially restored ruins of the Temple of Apollo, a few miles from the remains of ancient Kourion

THE ANCIENT CITY KINGDOM OF AMATHUS: About 7 miles east of Limassol, near Ayios Tychonas you will find one of the largest city kingdoms of ancient times; Amathus. According to the legend, Amathus, one of the most ancient royal cities, was settled by one of the sons of Heracles, who was worshipped there. It was later completely destroyed by King Richard the 1st. Click here for more information on Amathus.

KOLOSSI CASTLE:
Situated in a fertile valley at the mouth of the river Kouris, stands Kolossi Castle, one of the most important Medieval fortifications in Cyprus. This fort at the mouth of the river Kouris was often mentioned during records of the Middle Ages, because of the many sugar-cane, olive, cotton, locust-tree and cereal plantations in the vicinity, not to mention its vinyards the produce of which takes its name from the commandarie at Kolossi.
Click here for more details about Kolossi Castle.