Cyprus derives its name from the Greek word for copper, as the mineral was abundant on the island and played a significant role in its history and economy.
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Cyprus derives its name from the Greek word for copper, ‘Kypros,’ as the mineral was abundant on the island and played a significant role in its history and economy. In fact, Cyprus was famous for its copper reserves in ancient times, and the mineral was exported all over the Mediterranean. According to the Roman historian Cassius Dio, the island was worth its weight in copper.
Interestingly, the island’s copper reserves were not fully exploited until the Bronze Age, around 2500 BCE, when the islanders learned how to extract the metal from its ore. By 1400 BCE, Cyprus had become one of the most important suppliers of copper in the ancient world, with shipments going to Egypt, Syria, and the Aegean.
Fast forward to modern times, and Cyprus is still known for its copper production, although the industry has declined significantly. However, the island’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Here are some interesting facts about Cyprus:
- Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia
- The island’s strategic location has made it the target of numerous invasions over the centuries, from Byzantine and Ottoman rule to British colonialism
- Cyprus has two official languages: Greek and Turkish
- The island is home to the oldest wine label in the world, Commandaria, which has been produced for more than 5,000 years
- The ‘Aphrodite’s Rock’ is a famous landmark in Cyprus, said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty
- The island has a rich culinary heritage, with dishes like souvlaki, kleftiko, and halloumi cheese being local favorites.
As the historian Herodotus wrote, “The copper which suffices for the purposes of Europe is dug from the mines of Thasos and Cyprus.” Clearly, Cyprus has a long and proud history as a copper-producing island, and its mineral wealth has played a significant role in the island’s cultural and economic development.
Here is a table showing the timeline of Cyprus’ history:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 8200 BCE | First human settlement on Cyprus |
| 3000-2500 BCE | Copper mining begins |
| 1400 BCE | Cyprus becomes a major copper supplier to the ancient world |
| 333 BCE | Alexander the Great conquers Cyprus |
| 1191 | Richard the Lionheart conquers Cyprus |
| 1571 | Ottoman Turks conquer Cyprus |
| 1878 | Cyprus becomes a British protectorate |
| 1960 | Cyprus gains independence from Britain |
| 1974 | Turkish forces invade the island, leading to a division of the island. |
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Cyprus became divided after tensions rose between the Greek and Turkish populations following the country’s independence from Britain, leading to a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Turkey intervened unilaterally to protect the Turkish minority, which embarrassed the military government in Greece and led to international condemnation when Turkey continued to push further across the island. The Turkish Cypriot administration was created, and many people were forced out of their homes and cleared from the north. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot government declared independence, which was only supported by Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the island remains divided today.
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Even the name, Cyprus, derives from the ancient Greek word for the precious copper deposits that were already being mined and traded as early as 2500 BC.
Cyprus was known by different names in the past. The earliest attested reference to Cyprus is the 15th century BC Mycenaean Greek 𐀓𐀠��𐀍, ku-pi-ri-jo, meaning "Cypriot". The most widely used version of the Cyprus name refers to the overseas trade of copper, whereby the island gave its name to the Latin word for copper through the phrase aes Cyprium, meaning "Cyprus metal". The name Alashiya or Alasia, both of which occur in Hittite and Egyptian records in connection with the supply of copper, also refers to Cyprus.
Bishop of Kitium Kyprianos addressed Wolseley upon his arrival in Larnaca in a speech on the 22nd of July 1878 saying " We (Greeks) accept the change of the government, because we believe that Great Britain will eventually help Cyprus, just like with the Ionian islands, unite Cyprus with mother Greece ". [3]
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The name "Cyprus" comes from the Greek word for "copper" (kypros). It was the island’s lucrative deposits in copper, discovered around 3000 BC on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains, which first appealed to many foreign powers along the eastern Mediterranean coast.
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