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PODCAST

The History of Cyprus Podcast

cyprusthepodcast

Welcome to The History of Cyprus Podcast -- a monthly series exploring the island’s past from 10,000 BCE to the 20th century. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading scholars in archaeology, linguistics, political and social history, bringing academic insight to a wide audience. Together, we uncover the languages, cultures, conflicts, and legacies that shaped one of the Mediterranean’s most storied crossroads. Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or just curious about

history

All Episodes

01:15:58

*NEW EPISODE!* 35. Marks of Devotion or Desecration?...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Graffiti is most often associated with vandalism today. The idea of entering a church to carve into a fresco or scratch an icon feels unthinkable. Yet, in Medieval Cyprus, graffiti was a common practice—one rooted in reverence and spiritual expression. Far from desecration, these markings, whether scripts, scratches, shapes, or symbols, carried apotropaic or petitionary significance. They were often acts of devotion, not defacement. In this episode, I’m joined by archaeologist and historian Mia

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01:48

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXV: The Travels of Jacques Le...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2025/01/15

Jacques Le Saige, a silk merchant from Douai, France, embarked on a journey to Jerusalem on March 19, 1518, visiting Cyprus from July to September of that year. In this episode, we hear of his visit to Saint Sophia in Nicosia, offering some of the earliest evidence of medieval "graffiti" -- in this case, marks left by visiting pilgrims. His own name, etched into the wall of the Church of St. Francis in Famagusta, was rediscovered in 1901.Churches in Cyprus were, surprisingly, quite often riddled

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47:06

*NEW EPISODE!* 34. Hail Alexis, the Peasant King: The...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2025/01/02

In 1426, if but for a short while, Cyprus had two kings. King Janus of Cyprus and the ill-fated "Peasant King," Alexis, crowned by the people. The Peasant Revolt is a little known event in Cyprus' history but it is believed to have been triggered by the Mamluk invasion, the capture of King Janus and the sack of Nicosia. After the Muslim withdrawal, peasants revolted proclaiming the peasant Alexis as king. In short time, the rebellion was put down and Alexis was executed. Where was this rooted? How

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30:08

*BONUS!* Amathus with Thierry Petit

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/12/25

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

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03:20

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXIV: The Strambali Chronicle

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/12/14

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

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53:52

*NEW EPISODE!* 33. Engineers, Envoys & Explorers:...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/12/02

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

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52:06

*BONUS EPISODE!* Xαίρε καί πίει εύ: The History of...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/11/25

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

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03:02

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXIII: An Excerpt from the...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/11/15

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

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01:00:59

*NEW EPISODE!* 32. The Eastern Wanderer: Clearchus of...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/11/02

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

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01:09:22

*SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE!* Fantasy, Folklore & Film:...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/10/17

Itsy bitsy sausagesBlack 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:

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01:10

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXII: The Inscription at Ai...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/10/10

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,

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58:30

*NEW EPISODE!* 31. Cyprus in the Great War: The...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/10/02

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

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37:32

*BONUS EPISODE!* Follow Where Reason Leads: Zeno of...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/09/20

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."

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01:11

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXI: "I want YOU for the...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/09/15

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,

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01:37:24

*NEW EPISODE!* 30. Living on the Edge: Earthquakes...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/09/01

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

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01:17

*NEW!* Primary Source XXX: The Sibylline Oracle

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/08/15

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

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01:01:58

*NEW EPISODE!* 29. Dedicating to your God: The Votive...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/08/02

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

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00:50

*NEW!* Primary Source XXIX: The Idalion Bilingual

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/07/15

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

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38:50

BONUS EPISODE! A New Paradigm Shift? The Peopling of...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/07/10

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

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01:00:00

*NEW EPISODE!* 28. Holy Men & Heathens: The Last...

The History of Cyprus Podcast ·

2024/07/02

**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

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