History of Cyprus

Cyprus was first settled in the Neolithic Period 5800 BC. By 2500 BC, it had emerged as a major trading centre in the Mediterranean due to its copper supplies. In the late Bronze Age, the Egyptians invaded Cyprus; the first Greek settlers arrived about a hundred years later. This firmly established the Greek language, religion, and a way of life on the island.

Cyprus had now become very attractive to its neighbours. The Assyrians conquered the island in 721 BC, the Egyptians in 550 BC. It took Alexander the Great to stop the Persians in 33 BC, but ten years later it again fell to Egyptian rule. In 58 BC, the Romans took power, having been attracted to the island by its production of wheat. Although the Romans remained in power until 359 AD, Cyprus retained its Greek culture. The Byzantine Empire took control in 359 AD, but was continually under attack from Arabic nations. It was Richard I who was next to conquer, he sold the island to the Lusigians, who stayed in power until 1489. The Turks successfully invaded in 1571, leading to 300 years of Turkish rule.

In 1878, the British took over the administration of Cyprus, to protect the Turks from the Russians. The British abolished abusive tax collection, reduced crime and improved schools, roads and water distribution. Although trade and agriculture prospered, it did not suffice the high expectations of the Cypriots. In 1914 when Turkey entered World War 1 against the British, the British annexed Cyprus. Greece was offered the administration of Cyprus if they entered the war on the allied side. Greece remained neutral until 1917. In 1959, Cyprus was granted independence becoming an independent republic. Archbishop Makarios III became the first President of Cyprus.