Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Venetian Forts
The Venetians ruled Cyprus from 1489 to 1571. Their control was characterised by indif-
ference to the Greek population, who fared no better under their new overlords than they
had under the Genoese.
As excellent traders, the Venetians' chief concern was the expansion of their maritime
empire. They used the island for its position along the vital Silk Route to China and as a
defence against the growing Ottoman threat. They built heavy fortifications around the cit-
ies of Nicosia and Famagusta, believing the Ottomans would attempt to strike there.
The Ottomans did so, first attacking Nicosia, defeating it swiftly and slaughtering the
garrison. They then turned their attentions to Famagusta. The severed head of Nicosia's
governor was sent as a grim message to Famagusta's Venetian captain-general Marcantonio
Bragadino. He quickly prepared for the assault, with some 8000 men at the ready.
The Ottomans laid siege to the city with over 200,000 men and 2000 cannon. Bragadino
held out for nearly a year, completely surrounded, with Famagusta bay filled with Ottoman
ships.
Upon his capture, Bragadino was tortured horrifically for his defiance. His ears and nose
were cut off before he was skinned alive.
The fall of Famagusta signalled the end of a Western presence and Christian outpost in
the Levant for the next 300 years.
The citizens of Famagusta (Mağusa) were so rich and so debauched that a merchant once ground a large diamond
to season his food, in front of all his guests.
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