The history of Cyprus – from Aphrodite to the EU

Cyprus was settled as early as the Neolithic period. Thanks to its rich copper deposits it was sought-after in the Bronze Age – the Latin word cuprum (copper) derives from the island's name. According to mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, rose from the sea here near Paphos.

Phoenicians, Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and finally the Romans shaped the island. The Greek language and culture that still dominate the south stem from Greek antiquity.

After the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus belonged to Byzantium and became strongly Greek-Orthodox. Crusaders, the House of Lusignan and the Republic of Venice followed, the latter leaving mighty fortifications. In 1571 the Ottomans conquered the island – the Turkish population group dates from this period.

In 1878 Britain took over the administration; in 1925 Cyprus became a Crown colony. The British phase explains why English is still so present and why Cyprus drives on the left. In 1960 the Republic of Cyprus became independent.

In 1974 a coup backed by the Greek military junta led to Turkish military intervention and the division of the island that continues today. Since 2004 the Republic of Cyprus has been an EU member; the EU acquis is suspended in the north.