The History of Cyprus Podcast

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this bonus episode! Amathus is a peculiar place. It's one of the few archaeological sites that has a relatively recent founding (i.e., the Iron Age). It boasts some peculiar customs and archaeological finds (e.g., Hathor capitals) and it is home to the famous Amathusian Bilingual (an epigraphic find that attests Cyprus' mysterious third language). My guest for this episode is Thierry Petit from the University of Laval in Quebec City, Canada. He is a former international member of the French School at Athens and has been the director of excavations at the Palace of Amathus for the past 30 years. His latest work, “The Palace of Amathus: From the Origins to the End of Kingdoms” has just been published in collaboration with Antigone Marangou.

This month's Primary Source is based on the "Strambal(d)i Chronicle" written at the end of the 16th century by Diomede Strambali -- a native of Cyprus -- who by the end of the Ottoman conquest, had fled to Rome as a refugee and had his work commissioned in Italian. The Chronicle recounts one of the infamous revolts in Cyprus whereby a peasant king, King Alexis, was crowned, if but for a short while. This is a relatively unknown chapter in Cypriot history that has seldom been written about. But it is the only time in Cypriot history where Cyprus had two kings. The tale recounted in this Primary Source is believed to be largely lifted from Leontios Machairas' work but provides us with a fascinating springboard into next month's episode: The Cypriot Peasant Revolt of 1426 with Professor Chrysovalantis Kyriacou! And if you enjoyed this Primary Source, please consider supporting the Podcast by joining as a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast

Prior to recording this episode, I had never put any real thought into Cyprus' role in Alexander the Great's campaigns. Afterall, Cyprus is rarely (if ever) mentioned when discussing Alexander's conquests. And yet I was floored to learn not only of its significant naval contributions but just how often Alexander himself recognized the superiority of Cypriot seafaring and engineering know-how to support his expeditions. Let's consider this excerpt in the lead up to the Siege of Tyre: "...[W]ith Cyprus too brought on side, we would be assured of supremacy at sea, and that of itself clears the way for our expedition to Egypt. When we have subdued Egypt, we shall have no further worries for Greece or our own country, and we can then make our move on Babylon with security ensured at home, our reputation enhanced, and the Persians cut off from the entire sea and all the land this side of the Euphrates." - Alexander quoted in Arrian's The Anabasis (17:4). The Siege of Tyre was a pivotal stepping stone opening up the East to Alexander's armies. It's with the coordinated naval efforts of Pnytagoras of Salamis, Androcles of Amathus, and Pasicrates of Curium (among others) that Alexander was able to take the Sidonian harbour of Tyre. And yet their contributions didn't end there. "Alexander had recruited teams of engineers from Cyprus" (17:5 Arrian) in order to assist in the construction of siege-engines and the building of a causeway that connected the mainland to the island of Tyre in perhaps one of the most impressive feats of engineering in all of Alexander's campaigns. To my surprise, Cypriots were more than a mere footnote in the Siege of Tyre. They played vital roles throughout Alexander's campaigns into the East as oarsmen, engineers, explorers, soldiers, trierarchs, and some were even elevated to esteemed positions as Companions and even Satraps (see Stasanor of Soli who was appointed as Satrap of Bactria in modern-day Afghanistan). They accompanied Alexander as they explored the Hydapses River (modern-day Jhelum River in Pakistan and India) while others were specifically sent to explore hitherto unknown regions. "The most extensive of the exploratory voyages was that undertaken by the helmsman Hieron from Soli. He too was given a triaconter by Alexander, with instructions to coast round the entire Arabian peninsula..." (Arrian 17:4) They were an integral component to Alexander's war machine and instrumental in his many of his successes.   In this month's episode, I'm excited to welcome researcher and historian, Andreas Parpas to discuss Cyprus' role in Alexander the Great's campaigns and its pivotal contributions to laying a foothold eastwards towards Babylon and beyond.

Be Happy and Drink Well. Commandaria stands proudly as a testament to the viticultural excellence of Cyprus. In fact, Commandaria holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously produced wines in the world. Though produced for centuries, the roots of Commandaria can be traced back to the Crusades in the 12th century. It even won first place in a semi-legendary wine-tasting contest held in thirteenth century France.* It was under the rule of the Knights Templar and the Knights of St. John that the wine garnered its name. For this episode, I invite Dr. Antonis Constantinou, who served as Director of Cypriot Department of Agriculture and has published several authoritative books and articles to discuss the history of Commandaria!  **CHECK OUT PATREON FOR AN IMAGINING OF THE BATTLE OF THE WINES!** The Battle of the Wines (La Bataille des Vins in French) is a poem written by Henry d'Andeli in 1224. It describes a supposed historic wine-tasting event organized by King Philip Augustus of France. Over 70 wines from various regions, including France, Spain and Cyprus were sampled and judged by an English priest. The wines were divided into two categories: "Celebrated" for those he approved and "Excommunicated" for those that did not meet his expectations. In the end, a sweet wine from Cyprus, thought to be Commandaria, was named the winner and given the esteemed title of "Apostle." You can find Dr. Antonis Constantinou's book, "The Legend of Commandaria," on AMAZON!

Arrian's "Anabasis of Alexander" provides us one of the most reliable accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns -- including Alexander's Siege of Tyre. The siege, which took place in 332BC, relied heavily on Cypriot and Phoenician naval support and provided Alexander a foothold into the Persian Empire. In fact, Arrian speaks of relying on Cypriot engineers who would fit together many war machines for the campaign. With the support of the kings of Cyprus (including King Pnytagoras of Salamis who you'll hear referenced in the Primary Source) it is considered one of Alexander's most impressive accomplishments. In an incredible feat of engineering, a causeway was built connecting the Island of Tyre to the mainland, allowing Alexander to cross and successfully capture the island fortress. Cypriots would continue to furnish Alexander's campaigns with naval and engineering support throughout Alexander's incursion into Asia and including the Hydapses River in India (Jhelum River). Next month, I interview Andreas Parpas on Cyprus' role during Alexander's campaigns. **If you've enjoyed this Primary Source, please consider supporting the History of Cyprus on Patreon. Donations help directly fund the production of these historical sources: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast You can also help the podcast by following on Instagram and by leaving positive reviews on wherever you happen to stream the episodes :)

Clearchus of Soli was an ancient philosopher who lived in the 4th century BCE and was primarily known for his contributions to ethics and moral philosophy. Clearchus was a student of Aristotle who is often associated with his Peripatetic school. He wrote extensively on Eastern Cultures and is thought to have traveled eastward-bound, to the Bactrian city of Ai-Khanoum (Alexandria on the Oxus?) in modern Afghanistan, in order to help Hellenize the city in a post-Alexandrian era. Join me as I welcome Professor Gertjan Verhasselt to discuss this fascinating and relatively unknown Cypriot philosopher, Clearchus of Soli!

Itsy bitsy sausages Black hilted knife Eat and depart To the place of no return* If you're like me, you've almost certainly heard the stories. Light your fireplace. Set your colanders out. Placate them with food and desserts until the Epiphany bells ring. Then -- and only then -- will they return to the underworld. Ironically, the Twelve Days of Christmas could be a terrifying time. And for some growing up in Cyprus, they certainly were.  By now, I'm sure you've figured out what I'm referring to: I'm talking about the malodorous, beastial and malicious goblins -- the καλικάντζαροι (kalikantzari). I've always wondered where these stories might have originated, what these creatures represented and even what they might have looked like. Imagine my surprise (and joy) to find out that they're making their way to the BIG screen! For this incredible episode, I'm joined by filmmaker, Minos Papas, who talks to me about his latest film, "Motherwitch: Δωδεκάμερον," which is slated for a 2025/2026 global release. The movie, set in 19th century Cyprus, stars Margarita Zachariou as Eleni, "an outcast painter, [who] tries to resurrect her dead children but unleashes a horde of creatures upon her village" (IMDb). Motherwitch, which is partially funded by Cypriot Department of Cultural Service, also stars Athos Antoniou, John Hughes and Miltos Yerolemou (of Game of Thrones fame). Minos and I discuss the art of film, the origins of Kalikantzari in Cypriot folklore and imagination, the work that went into the pre and post production and finally, what we can expect in the coming months. Though a work of fiction and fantasy, Motherwitch excites me as it is a culmination of years of research, and painstaking attention to historical accuracy and detail. It is a movie which strives to be a faithful to the period, capturing not only the look and feel, but the language and customs of the time. This is the first time Cyprus' culture will make its way to the Big Screen.  You can support Motherwitch in its distribution here where you can access a sneak peek to some scenes from the movie! ---->Motherwitch Kickstarter ---->Motherwitch Instagram Follow and support The History of Cyprus Podcast. Episodes are released on the 2nd of every month while Primary Source recordings are released on the 15th, the month prior! ----> Instagram! The History of Cyprus Podcast ----> Patreon! The History of Cyprus Podcast *These words are typically said while "feeding" the Kalikantzari

Ai-Khanoum was an ancient Greek city located in the northern part of modern-day Afghanistan, near the border with Tajikistan. This city was notable for its Hellenistic architectural and cultural influence, and it served as a center of Greek culture and administration in the region. So what could this possibly have to do with Cyprus? The Cypriot philosopher, Clearchus of Soli, was said to have travelled there in order to assist in the Hellenization of the city by another compatriot of his, Stasanor, who served as a general under Alexander the Great and later became the satrap of Bactria. You heard right. The Ai Khanoum inscription (a maxim of the Delphic Oracle) is said to have been commissioned by Clearchus to honour the founder of the city. But just who was Clearchus? And how did Cypriot(s) (not just one!) make their way to Ancient Bactria/Afghanistan? Next month, I discuss Clearchus with Professor Gertjan Verhasselt from the University of Padova. **You may have noticed that this upload is a bit earlier than usual. And that's because there is something very special coming mid-month on The History of Cyprus Podcast that I am incredibly excited for. Stay tuned for an October 17th Special Episode!

As World War I engulfed Europe, Britain and its colonies were not spared. Despite Cyprus avoiding conscription like Canada, the British coaxed Cypriots to enlist in auxiliary roles, notably the mule corps, to aid the Allies on the Salonica front. Promised non-combat duties, Cypriots soon found themselves thrust into conflict. How were they persuaded? What trials did they face? How did they fare upon their return? I welcome back Professor Andrekos Varnava from Flinders University as we discuss one of his latest books, "Serving the Empire in the Great War: The Cypriot Mule Corps, Imperial Loyalty and Silenced Memory," which you can find on Amazon: (this is the Canadian Website).

In this episode, Professor Andrew Erskine (University of Edinburgh) delves into the life and legacy of Zeno of Citium, the ancient philosopher whose teachings laid the foundation for the Stoic school of thought. Born in Citium (Kition) Cyprus, Zeno's journey from humble beginnings to philosophical prominence is a testament to the power of resilience and intellectual curiosity. Shipwrecked in Athens, he established his own philosophical school in the Stoa where his students became known as "Stoics." Stoicism had many famous adherents, including of course, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Andrew shares with us a lesser known Stoic, and fellow Cypriot, Persaeus of Citium, a favourite student of Zeno's, who becomes an influential member in the Macedonian Court. So who was Zeno? What were the tenets of Stoicism? And what impact did Zeno's thought have on the Greco-Roman world? Join us as we explore Zeno's upbringing in Cyprus, his philosophical influences, and the enduring impact of Stoicism on modern thought. Consider signing up as a patron on Patreon. For as little as $1 a month, your contributions help fund the History of Cyprus Podcast and keep it ad free. Please consider supporting the History of Cyprus Podcast and help build this digital repository of Cypriot history! https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast

For this month's primary source, I've taken some liberty with its recording, turning this very real enlistment ad into a radio spot. However, historically speaking, there was no radio service at the time -- and so this certainly would not have been broadcast in Cyprus. Given the widespread illiteracy at the time, enlistment campaigns such as the one here, would've been read aloud at the local καφενεíο (coffee-house) by the village teacher to any man in earshot to advertise the high rates of pay, food, clothing and relative safety in supporting Great Britain during the First World War. Though many are familiar with Cyprus' participation in the Second World War, its role in the First is less known. Why would Cypriots have enlisted to begin with? And did they indeed face "non-combative roles" as promised? Next month, I welcome back Professor Andrekos Varnava from Flinders University as we discuss one of his latest books, "Serving the Empire in the Great War: The Cypriot Mule Corps, Imperial Loyalty and Silenced Memory."

In the 4th century, a series of powerful earthquakes shook the island of Cyprus, leaving a profound impact on its inhabitants and Kourion in particular. These seismic events not only disrupted daily life but also reshaped the landscape, causing widespread destruction and challenging the resilience of Cypriots. The earthquakes of the 4th century stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who faced and rebuilt their communities in the wake of nature's formidable fury. This month, I speak with the co-director of the Kourion Urban Space Project, Dr. Laura Swantek, as KUSP enters its 14th season at Kourion.

The Sibyls of ancient Greece and Rome were oracles that divined the future by channeling the god, Apollo. Sibyls were considered to be intermediaries between the mortal world and the divine realm, and their pronouncements were highly regarded by the Greeks. Sibyls were often consulted by individuals, city-states, and rulers seeking guidance on important matters such as warfare, politics, and religion. They were believed to possess deep wisdom and knowledge of the future, and their utterances were typically written down and preserved as sacred texts. For this month's primary source, we hear an amalgam of prophesies as they relate to Cyprus -- specifically a series of ominous predictions of earthquakes and floods predating the infamous 4th century earthquake that levelled parts of Cyprus including Kourion. Fitting, as next I interview Laura Swantek, the assistant director of the Kourion Urban Space Project!

Votive practices in Cyprus have long been an integral part of the island's rich cultural and religious traditions. Cypriots have engaged in diverse acts of votive offerings to express gratitude, seek divine favor, or fulfill vows. In ancient Cyprus, votives played a significant role in the worship of various deities. The sanctuaries dedicated to gods and goddesses were adorned with votive objects such as statues, terracotta figurines, and ceramic vessels. If you're looking at a statuette in a museum -- there's a good chance that you're looking at a votive that was once offered to a god/or goddess and was excavated from a temple. These offerings were given as tokens of devotion, seeking blessings, protection, or even healing. This month I welcome Dr. Erin Averett, associate director of the Athienou-Malloura site, to discuss the Votive Tradition in Cyprus.

The Idalion Bilingual inscription comprises a dedication composed in Phoenician and Greek, using the Cypriot syllabic script. This inscription played a crucial role in deciphering the Cypriot syllabic writing system and is often referred to as the equivalent of the 'Rosetta stone' in Cyprus. Despite Idalion being under Phoenician rule at that time, Greek was still widely spoken as it was most certainly a multilingual city. The Idalion Bilingual was discovered in an area within the Sanctuary of Apollo that appears to have been utilized by both Greeks and Phoenicians.  Originally, the stone carrying the inscription would have supported a statue honoring Apollo/Reshep. Though quite a short primary source, the reading offers a look into the traditions of temple dedications as we discuss votives and rural sanctuaries with Dr. Erin Averett next month.

There's a good chance that you might have heard of a recent study published in May 2024 that revises our understanding of when Cyprus was first settled. You can read more on it here: Archaeology Magazine. ...but to borrow a short excerpt from the article, "It had been argued that hunter-gatherers only traveled to inhospitable islands in the eastern Mediterranean because mainland coastal areas were flooded by rising sea levels... [but] modeling indicates that the temperature and rainfall on the island at the time would have been able to support large hunter-gatherer populations."  I've been fortunate to speak with one of the co-authors behind the study, Dr. Dora Moutsiou from the University of Cyprus, who, with her team of colleagues, argue that mathematical modeling can show us that Cyprus was likely settled even earlier than was once previously thought: 14,000 years ago. Join me as I speak with Dora on their recent study/finds and learn more about the earliest settlers on Cyprus!*  Enjoy this BONUS episode and consider becoming a Patron on Patreon where your donations help with the show's production.  *Also check out "The Cliffs of the Eagles: Prehistoric Cyprus with Alan Simmons" for some historical context.

**My apologies on my audio quality for this episode. Working off an old laptop for this particular recording. Early Christianity in Cyprus dates back to the first century AD, when the island was part of the Roman Empire. According to tradition, the apostles Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark traveled to Cyprus to spread the message of Christianity. The island is, of course, mentioned in the New Testament as the birthplace of Barnabas. In the early centuries of Christianity, Cyprus was an important center of Christian activity and played a key role in the spread of the religion in the Eastern Mediterranean (even producing Britain's first bishop -- St. Aristoboulos!). The Island of Saints was home to a number of significant early Christian figures, including St. Epiphanius, the bishop of Salamis, who wrote extensively about Christian theology and doctrine and Cyprus' bishops were active participants in the early Church Councils (such as The Council of Nicaea). While we know that violence erupted between pagans and Christians in cities such as Alexandria, what was the transition in Cyprus like? This month, I discuss The Last Pagans of Cyprus with Professor Georgios Deligiannakis!

If you're listening to this month's Primary Source, you're hearing from the acts of Cyprus' patron saint, St. Barnabas. St. Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew who converted to Christianity and undertook missionary work across the island and beyond. In the Acts of the Apostles, he was accompanied by St. Paul most famously confronting a magician named Elymas, also known as "Bar-Jesus," and converting the Roman proconsul of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus -- that is, until an unknown disagreement where Barnabas and Paul went their separate ways. But this month's Primary Source reading isn't from the Bible. This is from a non-canonical work called the "Apocryphal Acts of St. Barnabas." They are one of many works of early Christianity that were rejected by the early Church Councils. The Acts of Barnabas is believed to have been composed in the 5th or 6th century and describes the missionary activities of Barnabas. The Acts of Barnabas includes stories of his travels to Cyprus, Antioch, and Rome, where he is said to have performed miracles, converted many people to Christianity, and established churches.  In this particular excerpt, we hear of Barnabas' missionary work in Cyprus, specifically in Amathus, where he encounters both pagans and Christian converts. He mentions condemning pagan athletics occurring in the nude outside of Kourion (which are promptly destroyed by an earthquake) and later, condemning a religious ceremony on the Acropolis of Amathus. In Salamis, however, Barnabas is taken and burned at the stake -- his remains were recovered in secret where he was buried with a copy of the Gospel of St. Matthew. These remains were said to have been found in the 5th century which would grant the Church of Cyprus autocephalic status. Next month, I welcome Professor Georgios Deligiannakis to discuss the transformative years of early Christianity: "Holy Men & Heathens: The Last Pagans of Cyprus"

For this month's episode, I speak with Tassos Papacostas (King's College London) about Cyprus during the Middle Byzantine Period. We touch upon the political and economic changes that characterize the period in addition to the population movement from urban centers to rural ones (focusing on the 10th century settlement of the Troodos region in particular). What precipitated the rise in villages and monasteries that dot the landscape? How did they fare as we transitioned into the Frankish period? We also discuss the architectural markers that are unique to the Painted Churches in the Troodos and how they contrast with typical church architecture on the coastal centers.

St. Neophytos the Recluse (Άγιος Νεόφυτος ο Έγκλειστος ca. 1134–1214) was a twelfth century Cypriot hermit and saint whose short chronicle, "On the Calamities Against the Country of Cyprus," provides us with an invaluable look into the Third Crusade and, more specifically, its impact on Cyprus which he considers an unmitigated disaster. He is decidedly critical of both the Byzantine usurper, Isaac Comnenus, who "despoiled the land" and King Richard the Lionheart, from "the wretch...from England, a country beyond Romania,"*** and laments Cyprus' loss to the Latins in 1191. Next month, Tassos Papacostas (King's College London) joins me to discuss Cyprus in the Byzantine period with a particular focus on the settlement of the Troodos Region. ***Romania is not a reference to modern day Romania but rather, the Byzantine Empire. Let us not forget that "Byzantine" is an exonym and a misnomer. "Byzantines" would have called themselves Ῥωμαῖοι (Romans) and their land, Ῥωμανία (Romanland).