Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ancient Cyprus
In the 1st century BC, tin was imported from Lebanon to Cyprus and mixed with copper to make bronze. This
composition was stronger and more durable, creating better tools and weapons.
City Kingdoms of Cyprus
Visitors to Cyprus today can see extraordinary remains of ancient city kingdoms which ex-
cavations have revealed were both highly prosperous and influential during the Hellenistic
period. These city kingdoms were established at Kourion, Pafos, Marion (now Polis),
Soloi, Lapithos, Tamassos and Salamis, with two more later established at Kition and
Amathous. The Phoenicians, great traders from across the sea in Lebanon, also settled here
around this time in Kition (Larnaka) and introduced the Greek alphabet to Cyprus (the
Phoenician phonetic alphabet is believed to be the ancestor of virtually all modern alpha-
bets).
Between 1400 and 1200 BC, Mycenaean and Achaean Greek settlers began to arrive en
masse, bringing with them language, culture, art and gods. The Cypriots found a particular
affinity with the fertility goddess, Aphrodite, and Cyprus remains the legendary birthplace;
the rock near Pafos marking her place of birth remains firmly on the tourist trail to this day.
Thereafter, from 750 BC to 475 BC, the city kingdoms oversaw a period of advancement
and increasing prosperity as demonstrated by the spectacular Royal Tombs near Salamis
which contain extravagant examples of wealth, and closely match Homer's descriptions of
Mycenaean burials in
The Iliad
. Ancient Salamis is the most significant of the ancient city
kingdoms' archaeological sites that can be visited today; don't miss it!
During this time, Greek influence spread throughout the island, and Cyprus attracted a
string of foreign rulers including the Assyrians, the Egyptians and then the Persians. These
powers sought control through tribute more than settlement, essentially leaving the city
kingdoms to self-govern.
In 498 BC, under King Onesilos of Salamis, the city kingdoms joined in the Ionian re-
volt against Persian rule, with the exception of Amathous, which aligned itself with the
Phoenicians. The Persians landed their army just off Salamis, and a ferocious battle raged.
Ultimately the King of Kourion, Stesenor, betrayed the Greeks. Onesilos was killed and the
revolt was crushed.
The island maintained its strong links with Hellenism, despite Persian hegemony. In 381
BC, King Evagoras of Salamis tried to unite the city kingdoms with the Greek states, and
attempted to overcome the Persians once more. He was defeated and assassinated seven
