Beginning of the Egyptian Rule in Cyprus

The Late Bronze Age (1600-1050 BC) was one of the most formative periods of the life of ancient Cyprus. The island's international contacts extended from the Aegean Sea to the Levant and the Nile Delta. 

Thutmose III of Egypt claimed Cyprus as one of his conquests in about 1500 BC. Writing, in the form of a linear script known as Cypro-Minoan, was borrowed from Crete. Cypriot craftsmen were distinguished for fine jewellery, ivory carving, and bronze figures.

From about 1400 BC a profusion of Mycenaean pottery was imported from mainland Greece, and it is possible that Mycenaean artists accompanied the merchants. After 1200 BC, with the collapse of Mycenaean civilization, there is evidence of Greek immigration from the Peloponnese. 

The principal city, and port, was Engomi (west of Famagusta); its massive city walls and houses of hewn stone are evidence of a high degree of prosperity.

 

References

• Encyclopaedia Britannica

 

 


 
 

 

  

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