The History of Cyprus
The first inhabitants of Cyprus: Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. The island’s strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa has made it a crossroads of civilizations throughout history. The story of its first inhabitants is equally fascinating, reflecting influences from neighbouring regions while developing unique cultural characteristics. This 800-word exploration delves into the earliest periods of human occupation on Cyprus, from the first known settlements in the Neolithic era to the cultural transformations that followed.
The Earliest Inhabitants: Pre-Neolithic Presence
Evidence of human activity on Cyprus dates back to the Epipaleolithic period (around 10,000 BCE), long before the first permanent settlements. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Aetokremnos site on the southern coast, suggest that the earliest inhabitants were likely hunter-gatherers who made brief visits to the island. Aetokremnos, dating to around 8200 BCE, reveals signs of hunting and possibly the exploitation of pygmy hippos and elephants, which were native to the island but went extinct during this period, likely due to human activity and environmental changes.
This pre-Neolithic presence on Cyprus indicates that early human groups had the technological capability to cross the sea from the nearby mainland, likely from regions of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) or the Levant. However, these early visitors left little evidence of permanent settlement, and it would not be until the Neolithic period that we find more established communities on the island.
The Neolithic Period
The Neolithic period marks the first significant phase of permanent human settlement on Cyprus, beginning around 9000 BCE. The earliest known Neolithic communities were pre-pottery Neolithic (a period when humans had yet to develop ceramic technology), and these communities are associated with the Khirokitia culture, one of the most important archaeological finds on the island.
The Khirokitia site, located on the southern coast of Cyprus, is one of the earliest and best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the Mediterranean. It dates to around 7000 BCE and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical significance. The architecture of Khirokitia reflects a well-organized and socially complex society. The settlement consists of circular stone dwellings, which were built on terraces that overlooked the Maroni River, indicating a high level of planning and cooperation within the community.
The inhabitants of Khirokitia were primarily agriculturalists and herders, cultivating cereals such as wheat and barley and domesticating animals like sheep, goats, and pigs. This transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities represents a major shift in human society. The presence of sickles, grindstones, and storage pits suggests a strong reliance on agriculture. Archaeological evidence also indicates the production of tools made from obsidian, a volcanic glass likely imported from Anatolia, demonstrating early trade networks and connections with neighbouring regions.
One of the distinctive features of the Khirokitia culture was its burial customs. The dead were often buried beneath the floors of their homes, which might have had ritual or symbolic significance. The absence of large-scale warfare or fortifications at this time suggests that the society was relatively peaceful, with a focus on communal living and cooperation.
Chalcolithic Period: Cultural Development (circa 3900–2500 BCE)
Following the Neolithic era, Cyprus entered the Chalcolithic period (also known as the Copper Age), around 3900 BCE, when the use of metal—particularly copper—began to appear alongside traditional stone tools. Cyprus is rich in copper deposits, and the island’s early inhabitants were among the first in the world to exploit this resource.
The Chalcolithic period saw the rise of more advanced social structures, religious practices, and craftsmanship. Sites such as Lemba and Kissonerga in
the western part of the island provide key insights into this period. The circular houses typical of the Neolithic were replaced by more rectangular ones, and the construction of larger communal buildings suggests increased social complexity.
Burial practices during this time also became more elaborate. The discovery of figurines, particularly representations of the “Mother Goddess,” points to the possible emergence of fertility cults and religious beliefs cantered around the natural world. These figurines, made from stone and clay, are some of the earliest examples of Cypriot religious iconography and suggest that the inhabitants of Cyprus had developed spiritual and ritualistic practices.
Bronze Age and the Dawn of Urbanization (circa 2500–1050 BCE)
The transition to the Bronze Age (circa 2500 BCE) marks a significant turning point in Cypriot history. The island’s rich copper resources became highly sought after, leading to increased trade with neighbouring civilizations, including Egypt, the Levant, and Anatolia. This trade helped spur the development of urban centres, marking the beginning of more complex societies and the rise of city-states on Cyprus.
During the Bronze Age, Cyprus saw the growth of settlements such as Enkomi and Kition, which became major centres of commerce and trade. The introduction of bronze-working techniques, as well as advances in pottery, textile production, and agriculture, led to the flourishing of the Cypriot economy and culture. Contacts with the Minoan civilization on Crete and the Mycenaeans of mainland Greece also influenced Cypriot art, religion, and architecture.
Cyprus Today
Today, Cyprus is home to a multicultural society primarily composed of two major ethnic groups: Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. However, other communities, such as Armenians, Maronites, and Latins, also contribute to the cultural mosaic of the island. Understanding the inhabitants of Cyprus involves not only examining their contemporary demographics but also exploring the historical context that shaped their identity, culture, and politics.
1. Greek Cypriots
The Greek Cypriots are the largest ethnic group on the island, accounting for approximately 70–80% of the population. They are primarily of Greek descent and are predominantly Orthodox Christians, belonging to the Church of Cyprus, an autocephalous branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Historical Background: The roots of the Greek Cypriots date back to the Mycenaean Greeks, who arrived on the island around the 12th century BCE. Over the centuries, Cyprus became increasingly Hellenized, especially after Alexander the Great’s conquests and during the subsequent Hellenistic period. The island was part of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 800 years, further solidifying its Greek character. Despite invasions and occupations by various powers, including the Arabs, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Ottomans, Greek culture and language remained predominant among the majority of the population.
Culture and Identity: Greek Cypriot culture is a blend of ancient Greek, Byzantine, and more contemporary influences. The Greek language, in its Cypriot dialect form, is widely spoken, though standard Modern Greek is the official language. Traditional Greek Cypriot music, dance, and cuisine are integral to the island’s cultural identity. Celebrations such as Easter and Christmas are observed with great enthusiasm, often featuring religious processions, feasts, and folk traditions.
Political Identity: Greek Cypriots have historically sought closer ties with Greece, a movement known as Enosis (union with Greece). This sentiment was particularly strong during the British colonial period (1878–1960), culminating in a violent struggle for independence led by the EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) from 1955 to 1959. The creation of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 was a compromise, with Greek Cypriots constituting the majority in the new state. However, intercommunal tensions with Turkish Cypriots have marred the country’s political landscape.
2. Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriots, the second-largest ethnic group, make up about 18–20% of the population. They are predominantly Muslim and are primarily Turkish-speaking.
Historical Background: The presence of Turkish Cypriots dates back to the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, which marked the beginning of a nearly three-century-long period of Ottoman rule. During this time, Turks from Anatolia settled on the island, forming a significant Muslim community. The Ottomans also implemented a millet system, which allowed different religious communities a degree of autonomy, fostering separate identities for the Greek Orthodox and Muslim populations.
Culture and Identity: Turkish Cypriot culture is heavily influenced by Ottoman and Turkish traditions, though it has also absorbed elements of Cypriot and Mediterranean lifestyles. The Turkish language, in its Cypriot dialect, is widely spoken within the community. Islam plays a key role in shaping Turkish Cypriot customs, though the community is generally considered secular in comparison to other Muslim societies. Turkish Cypriots celebrate both Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), and national days of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the self-declared state in the northern part of the island.
Political Identity: The relationship between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots has historically been fraught with tension, particularly in the 20th century. In response to Greek Cypriot aspirations for Enosis, Turkish Cypriots advocated for Taksim (partition), seeking the division of Cyprus into a Turkish and a Greek sector. Following the breakdown of intercommunal relations and a brief civil war in the 1960s, the situation reached a climax in 1974 when a Greek-sponsored coup aimed at unifying Cyprus with Greece prompted Turkey to invade the northern part of the island. This resulted in the de facto division of Cyprus into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south, inhabited mostly by Greek Cypriots, and the TRNC in the north, populated primarily by Turkish Cypriots, though only Turkey recognizes the TRNC.
3. Other Minority Communities
In addition to Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Cyprus is home to several minority communities that have been part of the island’s history for centuries.
Armenians
Armenians first arrived in Cyprus during the Byzantine period, but their presence grew significantly after the Armenian Genocide in 1915, when many Armenians fled the Ottoman Empire. Today, they form a small but significant community, primarily cantered in Nicosia, and they maintain their distinct religious (Armenian Apostolic Church) and cultural traditions, including the Armenian language.
Maronites
The Maronites are a Christian group who trace their origins to the Maronite community in Lebanon. They arrived in Cyprus during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Crusader period. Although their numbers are small, they retain a unique identity, following the Maronite Catholic Church and speaking a variant of Arabic, though most have adopted Greek over time.
Latins
The Latin community refers to Roman Catholics who primarily descend from Venetian and Genoese settlers from the medieval period. Although small in number, they are part of the broader religious and cultural tapestry of the island, contributing to Cyprus’s long-standing connections with Western Europe.
4. Migrants and Recent Communities
In recent decades, Cyprus has seen an influx of immigrants from various parts of the world. European Union membership, gained in 2004, has facilitated the movement of people from other EU countries. Additionally, migrant workers from Asia (particularly the Philippines and Sri Lanka) and Africa have settled in Cyprus, adding to its growing diversity. Refugees from Syria and other conflict zones in the Middle East have also found temporary or permanent residence on the island.
5. The Complex Identity of Cyprus
Cyprus’s population is a reflection of its historical encounters with different civilizations and powers. The co-existence and often conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have shaped much of the modern political and social landscape of the island. The island’s division remains a significant issue, with numerous international efforts aimed at reunification over the years. Despite these divisions, there is also a shared Cypriot identity based on common cultural traits, including a love for the island’s landscape, cuisine, and traditions, which transcend ethnic lines.
In conclusion, the inhabitants of Cyprus are a diverse and multifaceted group, with a history shaped by both co-operation and conflict. Understanding the island’s demographics requires an appreciation for its historical complexities, cultural richness, and ongoing political challenges.
Conclusion
The earliest inhabitants of Cyprus were part of a dynamic and evolving story of human adaptation and innovation. From the hunter-gatherers of the pre-Neolithic period to the agriculturalists of the Neolithic and the metallurgists of the Chalcolithic, each phase of early Cypriot history laid the groundwork for the later development of the island’s rich Bronze Age cultures. Cyprus’s early societies were deeply influenced by their environment and their interactions with neighbouring civilizations, but they also developed unique cultural traditions that would endure for millennia. This early period is a testament to the island’s central role in the ancient Mediterranean world.
