Cyprus History
Cyprus has a rich and complex history that spans over 9,000 years. The island has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Mycenaeans, Assyrians, Persians, and Romans, each leaving their mark on the island’s culture and architecture.
Archaeological Sites
Kourion Archaeological Site – Located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, Kourion is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites on the island. The site dates back to the 10th century BCE and features a range of ancient structures, including theaters, temples, and tombs.
Aphrodite’s Rock – Located on the southern coast of Cyprus, Aphrodite’s Rock is a stunning archaeological site that dates back to the 6th century BCE. The site is dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite and features a range of ancient structures, including temples and altars.
Tamassos Archaeological Site – Located in the center of Cyprus, Tamassos is an ancient city that dates back to the 10th century BCE. The site features a range of ancient structures, including palaces, temples, and tombs.
Nea Paphos Archaeological Site – Located on the southern coast of Cyprus, Nea Paphos is an ancient city that dates back to the 4th century BCE. The site features a range of ancient structures, including palaces, temples, and tombs.
Idalion Archaeological Site – Located in the center of Cyprus, Idalion is an ancient city that dates back to the 10th century BCE. The site features a range of ancient structures, including temples, tombs, and artifacts.
Choirokoitia Archaeological Site – Located in southeastern Cyprus, Choirokoitia is one of the oldest archaeological sites on the island, dating back to around 7,000 BCE. The site features a range of ancient structures, including houses and tombs.
Important Personalities
- Historical figures
- Scientists
- Business
Zeno of Kition was a Hellenistic philosopher and the founder of the famous Stoic school of philosophy, which he taught from about 300 BC. Based on the moral ideas of the Cynics, Stoicism emphasized the peace of mind and goodness gained from living a life of virtue in accordance with nature.
Zeno divided philosophy into three segments: logic, physics, and ethics, the end goal of which was to achieve eudaimonia through the right way of living according to Nature.
“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”
“Man conquers the world by conquering himself.”
Empress Theodora was a Cypriot-born Byzantine Empress who played a significant role in the 13th-century Byzantine Empire. Born in Constantinople, she was the daughter of an Athenian aristocrat and rose to become one of the most powerful women in the Byzantine Empire. Her reign was marked by her patronage of the arts, her strong leadership, and her efforts to reform the Byzantine Empire.
“Those who are not with me are against me.”
Archbishop Makarios III was a Cypriot Orthodox priest, politician, and the first President of Cyprus. He played a crucial role in Cyprus’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule and was a prominent figure in the country’s transition to independence. As a charismatic leader, he united the Cypriot people and worked tirelessly to promote peace and stability in the region.
“I am not a politician, but a priest who has been called to serve his people.”
Christopher A. Pissarides is a Cypriot economist and Nobel laureate who has made significant contributions to the field of labor economics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2010 for his work on the labor market, including the theory of job search and matching.
Panayiotis Zavos is a Cypriot biologist and professor who has made important contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. He is known for his pioneering work on the development of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and has published numerous papers on topics such as embryo development and stem cell biology.
Chris Toumazou is a Cypriot electrical engineer and entrepreneur who has founded several successful biotechnology companies. He is known for his work on developing non-invasive medical devices, including DNA analysis systems and point-of-care diagnostic devices.
Stelios Haji-Ioannou Stelios Haji-Ioannou is a Cypriot-born entrepreneur and founder of EasyGroup, a global company that operates easyJet, the low-cost airline, as well as other easy-branded businesses such as easyCar, easyHotel, and easyBus. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to business, and has been recognized for his contributions to the travel industry and beyond. Haji-Ioannou is also a philanthropist, with a focus on supporting education and entrepreneurship.
Anastasios George Leventis Anastasios George Leventis is a Cypriot entrepreneur who founded the Leventis Group, a global conglomerate with interests in shipping, energy, real estate, and more. He is known for his vision and leadership in building the Leventis Group into a successful global business, and has been recognized for his contributions to the Cypriot economy and beyond. Leventis is also a philanthropist, with a focus on supporting education and community development initiatives in Cyprus and around the world.
Theo Paphitis Theo Paphitis is a British-Cypriot entrepreneur, best known for his role as a “Dragon” on the BBC TV show Dragons’ Den. He is the founder of Rymans, a stationery chain, and has also founded several other businesses, including Robert Dyas and La Senza. Paphitis is a prominent figure in the British business community and has been recognized for his contributions to entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
Mythical Creatures
Aphrodite: In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and desire, often depicted as a stunning woman emerging from the sea. Born from the foam of the sea, she is said to have brought love and passion to the world, making her a revered figure in Cypriot culture. Her presence is often linked to the island’s romantic landscapes and beautiful beaches.
Pygmalion: In ancient Greek mythology, Pygmalion is a Cypriot sculptor who falls deeply in love with his own creation, a statue of a woman named Galatea. According to legend, Pygmalion’s love for Galatea was so strong that Aphrodite herself brought the statue to life, allowing Pygmalion to marry his beloved. This myth is often seen as a symbol of the transformative power of love and art.
Iphis: In Greek mythology, Iphis is a beautiful maiden who was transformed into a man by the goddess Isis to be with her lover, Ianthe. According to legend, Iphis was deeply in love with Ianthe, but their love was forbidden by society. The transformation of Iphis into a man allowed the two lovers to be together, and their story is often seen as a symbol of acceptance and love’s ability to overcome adversity.
Take your exploration to the next level
Beyond the conference sessions, we offer a range of optional excursions that will allow you to uncover the island’s rich cultural heritage. From the stunning ruins of Kourion and Aphrodite’s Rock, to the charming medieval towns of Nicosia and Larnaca, Cyprus is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological wonders. Or, if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider extending your stay for a few extra days to really get under the skin of this captivating island.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, or simply looking for a relaxing break, Cyprus has something for everyone. So why not make the most of your time in Cyprus and discover the magic that lies just beyond the conference halls?”
Our Recommendations
Subscribe to our newsletter
Stay informed by signing up for our newsletter! Receive the latest news about upcoming Cyprus conferences, insightful articles, and exclusive updates directly to your inbox.
