A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
THE DAWN OF THE BYZANTINE ERA
The Byzantine Empire can trace its origins back to the year 330, after the Roman Empire, after several extensive power struggles and a civil war, found itself divided into two separate entities. This particular division created a Western Roman Empire and an Eastern Roman Empire. Constantine the Great presided over the Eastern Roman Empire, marking the beginning of a new Roman era in the east that came to be known as the Byzantine Empire.
THE BIRTH OF CONSTANTINOPLE
The transformation from Eastern Roman Empire to Byzantine Empire was complete when the emperor re-founded the city of Byzantium. The city was renamed to Constantinople. The former name of the city was elevated to describe his new Byzantine Empire. Part of the reason for this was that he wanted complete autonomy from the empire’s western counterpart. Constantinople became central to the new Byzantine Empire that would go on to outlast its Western contemporary. The new empire would flourish until the latter part of the 15th century.
A MILITARY OUTPOST & MAJOR TRADING LINK
Cyprus by default, became part of the new Byzantine Empire. From the outset, the Byzantine administration kept old Roman political structures, legal frameworks, and economic systems in place. They allowed Cyprus to develop its economy further, and the island continued to serve as a strong military outpost and major trading link. The Byzantine administration also took full advantage of the island’s geographical position, strengthening its trade routes. The island would eventually serve as a crucial stop for merchants travelling between the new Byzantine capital city and other neighbouring Eastern Mediterranean trading posts.
SEVERAL EXTERNAL CULTURAL EXCHANGES
Cyprus thrived economically under Byzantine rule. Although the island’s fertile lands fuelled its mainly agricultural economy, other industries, such as pottery and textiles, also flourished under Byzantine rule. Cyprus became known for its high-quality wine and olive oil products and the exploitation of its abundant natural resources also contributed to the island’s wealth. The economic interconnection of the island facilitated several external cultural exchanges. Varying outside influences, because of this, began to enrich Cypriot society more than ever.
A NEW SEAT OF POWER
The governance of Cyprus under the Byzantine administration was characterised by a complex structure of local and imperial authority. The Emperor appointed a local governor to oversee the island’s affairs directly. This position allowed Byzantine authorities to maintain control over all local affairs while ensuring loyalty to their emperor. The seat of power and capital city was transferred from Paphos back to Salamis in the east of the island. This allowed the new capital city to retain its position as the island’s main administrative and commercial hub.
AN ORTHODOX RELIGION
The complexity of the political landscape meant that Byzantine authority in Cyprus often was contested. However, the legacy of Byzantine governance persisted and it would heavily influence subsequent policies of rulers as well as the social dynamics of the island. One of the most profound contributions the Byzantines made to Cyprus was when they established the dissemination of a rich cultural and religious heritage. Byzantine Orthodox Christianity became pivotal on the island after it was embraced fully by the Cypriots. The Orthodox Church went on to play a vital role in shaping the social fabric of the island by fostering a collective identity among its inhabitants. The church not only provided spiritual leadership but also served as a centre for education and culture. This saw the construction of churches and monasteries throughout the island during this period reflecting the flourishing religious characteristics of Byzantine influence. Â
RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE
The Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca and the Monastery of Kykkos in the Troodos Mountains stand today as significant Byzantine religious sites. Both structures symbolise the architectural and artistic achievements attributed to Byzantine culture. Today, these structures not only hold religious significance but also feature iconic examples of Byzantine art, intricate mosaics and iconography.
THE CHALLENGES OF RULE
Despite the cultural and economic prosperity on the island, the new Byzantine rulers faced huge military challenges. This was mainly from the threat of emerging external powers in the East. The strategic importance of Cyprus was underscored during frequent conflicts with pirate raiders. The Seljuk Turks and later the Ottomans, as well as various Arab forces, also presented significant threats to the island’s stability and their sovereignty.Â
NEGOTIATED TRUCES
The Byzantine Empire held a fluctuating dominance over its territories during the subsequent centuries. Cyprus. however, remained pivotal to their empire. This was mainly for military and economic reasons and whilst they suffered other territorial losses, they managed to successfully repel several invasions of the island. The rapid expansion of Islam led to Muslim forces briefly capturing the island in the year 649, but diplomatic negotiations eventually restored Cyprus and other captured areas to the control of the Byzantines.
ISAAC DOUKAS KOMNENOS
In 1185, Cyprus found itself being ruled by self imposed independent Byzantine Emperor. Isaac Doukas Komnenos landed on the island with a troop of mercenaries after fleeing the Byzantine court in Constantinople. He promptly installed himself as the new ruler of the island after falsifiing imperial letters. These letters ordered local Byzantine administrators to accept Komnenos as their new governor. Once his power on the island was consolidated, he created a new independent patriarch of Cyprus, who then crowned him Emperor of Cyprus. Komnenos, after disposing of all rivals, went on to tyrannically rule the island in all but the Byzantine name. His reign, however, proved short and just six years later, Richard the Lionheart conquered Cyprus on his way to the third crusade. The King of England was forced to act after recieving a hostile reception when his fleet was forced towards the coast of Limassol. This brought Byzantine dominion on the island to an abrupt and quite brutal end.
A BYZANTINE LEGACY
Byzantine rule was pivotal for the island, firmly shaping its future. It also remains a crucial chapter in the broader narrative of the island’s history because the Byzantine legacy persists until today. Byzantine rule also illustrates the enduring significance of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean world. The enduring impact of Byzantine culture, religion, and governance has continued to shape the island’s identity and can be found in most facets of Cypriot life today. The Greek Orthodox Church is perhaps the most prominant example of this, as it remains hugely influential, ensuring the continuity of Byzantine traditions and practices in a changing political landscape.
