Due to the island’s geographical position, it is inevitable that over the centuries this has proved to be both Cyprus’ downfall as well as her greatest asset. The island has pretty much been visited, conquered, ruled and preyed upon by anyone who was anyone in history! There have been a myriad of cultures that have greatly influenced the island’s culture, providing wealth and prosperity, as well as bringing about periods of turbulence, poverty and neglect.
Ancient History
c. 7000/6500BC – The Neolithic Period saw settlers arriving from places such as Syria, Turkey and Palestine. Their main settlements seemed to be in coastal areas such as Zafer Burnu on the eastern peninsula, Lefke, Çatalköy and Güzelyurt.
