A BRIEF HISTORY OF POLIS CHRYSOCHOUS
A LONG HISTORY
The town of Polis Chrysochous is situated 37 kilometres north-east of the city of Paphos. The area surrounding the town stretches a short distance from the Akamas Peninsula and extends to the edge of the north-western side of the Troodos Mountains. The town that is commonly known as Polis, is the smallest independent municipality in Cyprus, but has a long history that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating as far back as the Neolithic period and the Trojan War. Polis like many other places in Cyprus has adapted and embraced influences from the various civilizations that have occupied the island over time, resulting in a rich and diverse history.
AN INTRIGUING HISTORY
The area surrounding Polis has an intriguing history that touches on both factual evidence and mythology. It is said that Akamas, the son of Theseus, gave his name to the Akamas peninsula after passing through the area during one of his numerous adventures. Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of prehistoric settlements and tombs that have revealed the earliest evidence of human settlement in the area. It is known that Achaean miners settled this part of Cyprus to mine its rich copper deposits immediately after the Trojan War and the miners formed a number of settlements in the area including Marion, which is Polis Chrysochous first incarnation.
THE SETTLEMENT OF MARION
The settlement of Marion was part of an important kingdom in ancient Cyprus and played a significant role in moulding the island’s political and cultural direction at the time. Amongst other artefacts, unearthed coins dating from the 5th century depict two Greek kings known as Stasikos and Timoharis of Marion. The economy of Marion was chiefly based on agriculture, trade, artisanship and the exportation of copper from the mines nearby. Marion’s easy access to both the mines and the natural harbour put it at the centre of this industry and ensured its prosperity for many years.
THE PTOLEMAIC KINGDOM OF EGYPT
In the 4th century BC, Cyprus came under the control of Alexander the Great who used the island to supply his armies in the Middle East and Asia. This further saw the spread of Greek culture throughout the island and this included the settlement of Marion. After Alexander’s premature death, his empire splintered into four smaller entities. His four top generals subsequently took control of each one and Cyprus fell under the influence of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. Marion at this time was suffering from constant pirate raids and the Ptolemaic administrators decided to abandon the settlement moving its population to Paphos.Â
THE SETTLEMENT OF ARSINOE
Ptolemy II Philadelphus later re-established and fortified Marion, but renamed it to Arsinoe in honour of his Queen. The new settlement of Arsinoe began to prosper again and it became an important centre of influence. Arsinoe also developed a flourishing Hellenistic artistic and intellectual community and a whole series of new public buildings and a temple were built at this time. Renewed mining activity again began to drive the region’s economy and the harbour once again became the areas main hub of activity.Â
THE ROMAN ERA
The Roman Empire annexed Cyprus and the island became a senatorial province in the 1st century BC. Arsinoe became an important administrative centre during this period and Arsinoe received an influx of Roman settlers. The Roman administration built new roads, an aqueduct, a new forum, a theatre, and public baths, transforming Arsinoe into a bustling urban centre. The economy of Arsinoe thrived at this time, as new trade networks expanding to other parts of the Roman Empire became available to the towns natural harbour. In the 4th century AD, the Roman Empire divided into a two parts and Cyprus became part of the Orthodox Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire.Â
THE BYZANTINE ERA
During Byzantine administration, Arsinoe continued to thrive as a hub of trade and commerce and maintained its importance as a regional trading post. Arsinoe’s harbour mainly connected the Eastern Mediterranean with the Levant and North Africa and received goods from all over the Roman Empire. Byzantine administrators also oversaw the construction of new Byzantine churches and monasteries and Orthodox Christianity was firmly established as the main religion on the island. Arsinoe not only served as an important trading hub for this period, but also as a strategic military outpost, guarding the northwest coast of the island against increased pirate raids. The region’s defences were once again modernised to counter this threat and protect its shipping routes.Â
THE CRUSADERS
Byzantine rule ended when the Crusaders conquered Cyprus in the 12th century during the third crusade. Richard the Lionheart took control of the island and turned it into a feudal kingdom, which he controlled from his new administrative base in Limassol. Richard the Lionheart’s main aim was to exploit the island and his new feudal system allowed him to enforce extremely high taxes on the population of Cyprus. His brief reign proved hugely unpopular and there were many rebellions to his rule. The economy in Arsinoe suffered during this period, mainly because of the high taxation, but also because of shifting trading routes. The Knights Templar purchased the profitable island before Richard the Lionheart set off for his crusade a year later and they continued to impose high taxation. The Knights Templar however, could not deal with the ever increasing rebellions as effectively as the Lionheart’s Crusaders and months later, control of the troublesome island was passed on to the Frankish Lusignan dynasty, who were looking for a new base of operations in the area after losing Jerusalem to the forces of Saladin. The franks kept the feudal system in place, but at a much fairer tax rate and their reign proved to be more agreeable to the Cypriots. The constant threat from pirate raids to Arsinoe increased and the Franks eventually built a castle and garrisoned the town to defend against these attacks.Â
THE REPUBLIC OF VENICE
The Republic of Venice aquired Cyprus by political means in the latter part of the 15th century. Europe at the time was wise to the threat of the emerging Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice not only saw Cyprus as a rigid trading hub, but as an excellent military base to help counter the Ottoman threat from the east. The Venetians to counter the Ottoman threat made significant improvements to the island’s infrastructure almost immediately and constructed a number of bridges and forts. They also built new Catholic churches and monastaries and garrisoned the island with a professional army. As the Venetians were prominently a trading empire they constructied a new modern harbour near Arsinoe, which was essential for them and they re-enforced and garrisoned the fortifications that were built by the franks at Arsinoe. Even though a coalition of Cathiolic forces were victorious at the sea battle of Lapento in 1571, the Ottomans still took full control of Cyprus after numerous battles on the island later in the same year. One of these battles sets the historical setting for Shakespear’s Othello who commanded a Venetian garrison on the island at the time.
THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
The Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in the latter part of the 16th century marked a new chapter in the history of Arsinoe. The new Ottoman administrators referred to the town as ‘Polis’ which translates to ‘the city’. This description was further extended to the name of the local river known as ‘Chrysochou’, which translates to ‘flowing with gold’. As well as a name change, Ottoman rule brought significant demographic and cultural changes. The Ottomans ushered in a new administrative system, taxation policies, and architectural styles to the town and during the Ottoman reign, Polis became the centre of the administrative district of the region. Polis however, suffered economically after European trade routes were severed.Â
THE BRITISH EMPIRE
Polis Chrysochous came under British colonial rule and like the rest of Cyprus became a part of the broader British Empire in the latter part of the 19th century. Polis under British administration experienced a period of modernisation and economic growth. The British built new roads, and introduced new schools and hospitals to the area. They also introduced new agricultural techniques to the region, leading to increased crop yields and economic prosperity soon followed. The British also made efforts to preserve the town’s historic buildings and landmarks, recognising the importance of Polis Chrysochous’ cultural heritage.
CYPRUS INDEPENDENCE
After Cyprus gained a hard fought independence from British rule, Polis became part of the newly established Republic of Cyprus. The whole island faced the challenges of nation building and modernisation, but Polis continued to develop as a small agricultural coastal town. After the emergence of tourism, the whole Cypriot economy shifted towards the new industry and this led to the development of new hotels and resorts mainly along the coastline of the area.
POLIS CHRYSOCHOUS TODAY
Polis today stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the town’s history is evident in its well-preserved archaeological sites, museums, coveted churches and cultural festivals. The history of Polis like the whole island has been influenced by many diverse civilizations, which have all left their indelible mark on the town’s identity and heritage. The area surrounding Polis is still relatively unspoilt and it is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and archaeological sites. Polis has also become a beacon of eco-tourism and the wider area is also home to many natural treasures that include nature trails and cycling routes. Polis continues to attract visitors from around the world who seek to explore its rich natural beauty. The main square of Polis acts as the central core of the town’s community and stretches along a picturesque pedestrian street bustling with banks, bakeries, hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants. The central churches of the community are the 16th century Agios Andronikos, and the church of Agia Kyriaki, which is also known as Chrysopolitissa. The Latsi harbour, which can now accommodate over 200 recreational crafts, is a picturesque setting that is well known for its fresh fish and the town holds an annual fish festival every April to commemorate this. The closest beaches to the town are the Polis Chrysochous Municipal Beach and the Dasoudi Polis Chrysochous Beach, which are both well maintained. The Polis Chrysochous Camping site is a dedicated site that is open from April to October and is situated on the coast just north of the town of Polis.
