by admin | Aug 24, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Ottoman Empire suppressed the churches and opposed the Catholic faith and hence restored the mainstream chain of command. Taxes were fluctuating, sometimes higher than usual, sometimes lower, and collected by Archbishop during that era. Turks were a lot in number by then, around twenty thousand of them settled in Cyprus, but even then the top ruling priorities did not lie in the hands of the kings.
Corruption and apathy were widespread during the ottoman period and peace was nowhere found. The rule lasted for approximately 300 years before another alien force marched its way into the island, preparing to take over.
by admin | Aug 21, 2012 | Uncategorized
When the two cities of Cyprus were ruined in colossal earthquakes, the Byzantine Empire came into existence. Constantinople, wherein the empire first established its rule, was mainly of Catholic faith. Many Architectural buildings were constructed with gigantic halls served as meeting places. The new city was the capital of Cyprus.
Constantinople was named after the great Constantine, although he preferred to call it New Rome. “Polis” was the name given to it by the Greeks, which means “to the city” whereas for the Turks, it is now city of Istanbul, situated at the Heart of Turkey. The real Byzantine period started in 395 AD, when the Roman Empire divided into two, and the new domain was developed into the Eastern wing. As expected Cyprus was a part of the eastern territory and it remained like that for almost nine centuries.
The main important event during this period was spreading of the Christian faith. People were usually busy in practicing religion and strengthening their ways of leading a God-fearing life. Political situations were extremely peaceful until the Arab invasion. During this time, the Archbishop made several discoveries, which were quite successful in bringing people under the united banner of Catholic faith even more.
In 649 AD, the Arab sailed their way into the island and made it a point to make it their own, but they suffered such a great defeat in trying to drive the existing empire away, that a treaty was signed in which there was a pact of surrendering to the Byzantine empire and going according to their rules, however, in 683 AD, the second Arab invasion took place and destroyed the island again. This time the Arabs were equipped with an army of more than ten thousand men and the Muslim fort was withdrawn. In 688 AD battalions were not to be seen and Cyprus acknowledged as a neutral state, the collected taxes being divided equally among the Arabs and the Emperor.
Nicephorus Phokas, the Emperor of the Byzantines, finally declared the island as free in 965 AD.
by admin | Aug 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
Classical Cyprus:
Classical Cyprus coincides with the era of mainland Greece. Zenon of Kition, the founder of the philosophy movement was born during this time and Cyprus was under major Attic influence. Greek authority started to make its way into the island, even when the Cypriots tried to oppose it.
Roman Cyprus:
It was during this time period, when Alexander the great took control of Cyprus and brought about a new phase. Cypriots were not given the right to have their currency in the form of coins. The kingdoms residing within the island were given enough independence but the major administrative power remained with the Greeks. After Alexander’s death, the Egyptians took over Cyprus and suppressed its kingdoms into nothingness hence forcing their last king to commit suicide. Cyprus remained a Ptolemaic colony after that for over 250 years.
In around 58 BC, Cyprus was handed over to the Romans, where they enjoyed a phase of comparative peace and harmony. Churches were constructed, and other religious beliefs were introduced. Christianity made its appearance in the land of the Cypriots and flourished. Many people gave in to the new belief, convinced that this form of praising the lord and the highest power ruling the heavens and the Earth was much more improved than paganism. The Romans were more advanced as compared to the other foreign invaders and constructed many public buildings, most of which are still worth mentioning.
One of the renowned governor generals of ancient Rome is Cicero. The Cypriots and immigrants now settled into their new home enjoyed some good 600 years of relative prosperity under the Roman rule, before it divided in the year 395, surrendering to the Byzantine Empire, which was the eastern deviation of the Roman domain.
The cities of Cyprus were destroyed by two massive and concurrent earthquakes which marked the basis of the Byzantine Empire which was very much like the now modern life being led by the citizens of Cyprus.
by admin | Aug 16, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Bronze Age:
As the Cypriots made their transition from the Chalcolithic period towards the Bronze Age, the use of copper became infrequent. Bronze objects were manufactured using imported tin. Art played an extremely vital role within Cyprus and its people, in the form of pottery, human figurines and writing poetry in honor of human race and natural life. There was no as such contact with the exterior world; hence most of the creativity came forth from imagination or inspiration taken from surroundings and the environment.
From 1950 BC to 1650 BC, the middle Bronze Age is marked, where the proof of first persistent copper mining comes from. Painted pottery was extremely widespread and many Cypriots took interest in this new form of art and expression. By that time, Cyprus was in contact with Asia and most parts of Egypt and had begun successful trading relationships with them.
Cyprus’s late Bronze Age (1650 BC to 1050 BC) is the most significant in its evolution, history and civilizing development. The Cypriots had spread their trading network across Egypt and extended hands towards islands in the Aegean Sea. Various towns were established, attracting attention of many invaders and settlers. Most importantly jewels were engraved and exported, along with ivory products and refined pottery. The Cypriots had learned to do calligraphy by then, in the most delicate form and sold their writing materials throughout Asia and Egypt. Also, by 1400 BC, visible quantities of Mycenaean ceramic objects were being imported from Greece.
Cyprus was a territory of harmony and tranquility and extended a helping hand in the form of trading and development towards many other surrounding islands and places. Goods were imported and exported and substantial amount of profit was made, providing the nation a good living and luxury. Around 1200 BC, the first Greek speaking immigrants made their way towards Cyprus causing commotion within the presiding communities, hence leading them towards a new phase of change and transformation, more commonly known as the Iron Age.
It is also important to know that it was during this very period of the Bronze Age that writing in the form of linear characters known as Cypro-Minoan, were modified from Crete.
The Iron Age:
The beginning of the Iron Age (1050 BC to 950 BC) brought a great deal of Greek influence and domination. The pottery that the Cypriots had taken up so wholeheartedly was arranged more in the Greek way as compared to their native style. New religious beliefs as well, as cultural values were introduced, along with construction of tombs, chambers and temples. The Greek then were considered to be highly fashionable and introduced many different styles of robes and clothing. The use of bronze was now seen in the creation of vessels and containers. The Greeks indicated the use of their language more, although the residents of Cyprus continued to converse in their own mother tongue, and the foreign language was not forced upon them.
by admin | May 1, 2011 | Uncategorized
by admin | May 1, 2011 | Uncategorized