The Cypriots - People in Cyprus

The earliest signs of human on the island of Cyprus have been dated back as far as approximately 10,000 BC and there was evidence that these people were hunter-gatherers. There was more evidence found that dates to approximately 8200 BC of more settled villages. Some of the villages that there was evidence of toward the end of the century were Mylouthkia and several others and the most famous being Khiroktia.

In later history known as the Chalcolithic and Neolithic period there has been evidence found in many places on the island including decorated potteries and figurines made of stone.
There was proof during 1600 BC that the Mycenaean culture had come to Cyprus and this is the first evidence that the copper rich mines began being used claiming this as the Bronzes Age. Although during 1500 BC, there is proof that they were important in trade with Egypt. During the early part of the first millennium BC there is proof that the peoples of Cyprus were engaged in trade with Greece giving them timber for shipbuilding.

Cyprus with its long history also went through many changes when it came to who ruled them, in the sixth century BC they were conquered by Amasis of Egypt, this did not last for it soon fell under Persian rule after Cambyses conquered Egypt. Greece tried without success. After which it fell to Egyptian rule and in 58-57 the Christian Apostles Paul of Tarsus, and St. Mark visited BC to Rome, Cyprus in 45 AD. Further on in history Cyprus became a part of the Byzantine Empire for nearly eight hundred years.

This island would later fall to Turkish rule and later to British rule where it would remain until it would become its own republic in this century.

Construction and Those Buildings That Have Remained That Are Open To The Public
Cyprus has benefited today from all the different rulers that it fell under with all their different building styles; this has given the island of Cyprus a unique look, some of which has lasted through hundreds of years. This has made this island a place where tourists flock to each year to have the opportunity to visit these sites and the construction that was built so far in the past with workmanship that would not be found in today’s world.

There are churches from the Byzantine rule, along with monasteries, castles and tombs that have withstood the many years since they were constructed and are on the top of every visitors list to the island of Cyprus. Many of these buildings have been restored to their original stature while others; including whole ancient towns are under excavation and can be visited.
The Ayios Ioannis Cathedral was built in 1662 by the Archbishop Nikiforos and with its 18th century wall paintings that have been restored is open to visitors year round, along with the tomb of Saint Barnabas at Salamis.

One of the sites that attract many visitors and is believed to be one of the most important buildings constructed is the House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, this according to lore was the house of the family of Podoctars and is located in Nicosia. This is open to the public and is an Ethnological Museum.

Each August a religious festival is held in the village of Deftera Village near Panayia Chrysopiliotissa that holds Our Lady of the Golden Cave. This is a natural cave that has been painted and brings visitors from near and far.

A site that is also related to those who religious sites is Ayios Herakleidios Monastery, this monastery was originally built around 400 AD and was destroyed and rebuilt through the centuries until it was moved in 1773 by the Archbishop Chrysanthos who then renovated the church and placing the hand and skull in a silver gilt case of the Bishop of Tamassos who it was said guided Saint Paul and Barnabas when they visited Cyprus to the monastery. The Bishop of Tamassos lived in a cave where he also preached; at the age of 60 he was martyred and buried in this cave, from which the Archbishop of Chryanthos retrieved his skull and hand that is still on display. While this monastery had been destroyed, rebuilt and even moved one thing that has been kept in tact is the many frescoes.

The village and houses of Katsinioros and Achilleas Demetri in Phikardou known as the rural museum shows the architecture of the 19th and early 20th century homes, these homes have so impressed others that they have received the Europa Nostra award in 1986.

One of the oldest churches that is known to exist on the island of Cyprus is from the Byzantine Empire, this church is located in Nicosia. The Chrysaliniotissa Church is thought to have been built approximately 1450 and ordered built by Queen Helena Paleologina and was devoted to Our Lady of the Golden Flax.

While there are many other church’s that still exist and can be visited another part of Cyprus is their museums that hold treasures far back in history that other museums would have a difficult time finding such treasures.

The museum of Cypriot Coinage has exhibits that show the coinage of Cyprus dating from the 6th century BC, this is a permanent exhibit in the museum. There is the Cyprus Postal Museum, the Ethnological Museum and the Lefkosia Municipal Arts Centre, along with the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum and the National Struggle Museum. These are just a small amount of the buildings and other parts of history that can still be seen today.

This rich and long of a history on this island that has been preserved in many ways because of its size and location brings the distant past to life in today’s world.

The ancient city of Cyprus :

The Cypriots - People in Cyprus