The History of Cyprus Podcast

*NEW!* Primary Source XXXVIII: An Excerpt from Luigi Palma Di Cesnola

Luigi Palma Di Cesnola is a controversial figure in Cypriot history. Born in Turin in 1832, he served in the First Italian War of Independence and later in the Crimean War. In 1858, he left Italy for the United States where his service in U.S. Civil War earned him distinction. He was later appointed as a consul in Larnaca where he engaged in wide-spread excavations (which many have considered tantamount to looting). Most of his finds were purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he served as its first director. His finds can still be seen there to this day. This excerpt was taken from his book, "Cyprus: Its Ancient Cities, Tombs and Temples" where he describes one of the many tombs across Cyprus. This, of course, being the perfect introduction to next month's guest, Dr. Sherry Fox, where we discuss changing burial customs in Cyprus from the very ancient to the present. Next month: Bones, Burials and Bioarchaeology!Here is the text in full:"West of these tombs, I discovered nine oven-shaped caverns, containing such a quantity of bones that I was extremely curious to examine one thoroughly. Accordingly, the earth was removed and I counted no less than sixty-four human skulls. These nine caverns would have been infinitely too small to contain the amount of bodies indicated and I believe therefore that they were ossuaries for bones, removed from the rock-cut tombs to make way for other bodies. There was a platform made of sun-dried bricks and upon the platform the dead were laid, with the head always towards the entrance. These tombs were made to contain in most cases three bodies, yet in many of them the remains of two, one on the right and the other on the left of the doorway. In some few instances a reversed earthenware plate was found placed under the head, serving as a pillow to the dead."Luigi Palma Di Cesnola - Cyprus Its Ancient Cities, Tombs and Temples, 1877"

A little update...and a small request!

Hello everyone! Thank you as always for tuning in. I've got a lot of great episodes planned that will take us well into 2026! Have a listen!But I'm also writing to ask for your support. If you enjoy the show or any particular episode, please consider taking some time to leave a review online. Positive reviews help grow the podcast and spread the word. And as always, you can always join as a Patron! For as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the podcast ad free and support the creation of new and exciting Primary Sources! And don't forget, follow The History of Cyprus Podcast on Instagram! 

37. For King & Country: Cyprus in the Second World War with Marios Siammas

The impact of the Second World War was far-reaching -- Cyprus included. While initial reactions to the war were muted, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Greece entered the fray, spurring Cypriots to enlist in large numbers to serve King and Country. Much like in World War I, many Cypriots served as muleteers, but this time, direct action was far more likely. Thousands of Greek, Turkish, Armenian and Maronite Cypriots were deployed across the globe, including Egypt, Greece, and, most notably, Monte Cassino, Italy. They were among those evacuated at Dunkirk, flew missions with the RAF, and tragically, some even perished in concentration camps.
The Cypriot war dead are commemorated in 23 different countries and across 72 cenotaphs, with notable locations including France, Germany, Poland -- and as far afield as Singapore and China. Italy holds the largest number of Cypriot graves, with volunteers interred in 18 separate cemeteries. But the war also left its mark on Cyprus itself, with the island enduring air raids, social change -- and even bombings. It may even hold the distinction of being the only allied country to "suffer air raids on the same day by three different air forces." (William Battershill, Governor of Cyprus 1939-1941).
How were Cypriots trained for service? Who was recruited, and what challenges did they face upon their return? To explore these questions and more, I’m joined by Dr. Marios Siammas to discuss Cyprus in the Second World War!

Primary Source XXXVII: The Battle of Monte Cassino

The Battle of Monte Cassino (1944) was a series of Allied assaults on heavily fortified German positions in central Italy, centered around the ancient Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. Capturing Monte Cassino would weaken Germany's grasp in Italy and open the way to Rome. Cypriot muleteers played a pivotal role in overcoming the rugged terrain and essential for the Allied Effort. Nightly, hundreds of mules carried critical supplies—such as water, rations, grenades, ammunition, and medical materials—to front-line positions, braving relentless mortar attacks. On their return, they transported the wounded to aid stations.
In this dramatization, we hear from Georgios Christofi whose mule (and many other war animals) died on the slopes of Monte Cassino. The efforts of the mule companies were instrumental in securing victory at Monte Cassino. Despite constant fire, they ensured essential supplies reached the forward positions, allowing Allied forces to sustain their offensive.  Their adaptability, along with lessons from previous campaigns, proved crucial in navigating and succeeding in Italy's harsh mountainous terrain.

36. Deus Vult! The Templars in Cyprus with Peter Edbury

The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order founded in the early 12th century. Originally established to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades, they quickly grew in wealth and influence. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar for 100,000 Syrian bezants.*** This provided the Templar Order the opportunity to exploit Cyprus' wealth for its own gain. However, this would not last long. Within a year, Cyprus was in revolt and though the rebellion was ruthlessly quelled, the Templars chose to sell Cyprus back to Richard. They did retain a number of estates and stayed on the island as landowners for centuries. But their power and wealth attracted jealousy and suspicion. In the early 14th century, King Philip IV of France, heavily indebted to the Templars, orchestrated their downfall. Accused of blasphemy, heresy and sorcery, they were arrested, put on trial and burned at the stake. Cypriot Templars were no exception. So what happened?The Knights Templar remain a subject of fascination and speculation in popular culture and historical research, with many legends and conspiracy theories surrounding their mysterious rituals, alleged secret knowledge and, yes, even hidden Templar treasure in Cyprus! I welcome Professor Emeritus from Cardiff University, Dr. Peter Edbury, to explore the Templars in Cyprus!***According to Dr. Edbury, a Saracen Bezant was worth the value of its bullion content and would typically weigh about 3.8 grams (80% fine) which would work out to approximately £150 sterling or a total of £15 million! (approx. 19,000,000 USD) 

Primary Source XXXVI: The Templars & The Easter Revolt of 1192

For this month's primary source, our excerpt follows the infamous Easter Revolt* in 1192. After the Templars purchased Cyprus from King Richard the Lionheart, they initiated the heavy-handed exploitation of Cyprus, culminating in a revolt against the Templars and the subsequent transfer of Cyprus back to Richard. This will springboard us into my next interview with Professor Emeritus, Peter Edbury, and the Templar Rule in Cyprus. *This excerpt comes from the The Estoire d'Eracles -- an anonymous Old French chronicle and a continuation to William of Tyre's, "History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea." The chronicle begins with the reconquest of Jerusalem in 630 CE during Roman emperor Heraclius' reign (hence the name, Heraclius' History) and ends with Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem. 

35. Marks of Devotion or Desecration? Medieval Graffiti with Mia Trentin

Graffiti is most often associated with vandalism today. The idea of entering a church to carve into a fresco or scratch an icon feels unthinkable. Yet, in Medieval Cyprus, graffiti was a common practice—one rooted in reverence and spiritual expression. Far from desecration, these markings, whether scripts, scratches, shapes, or symbols, carried apotropaic or petitionary significance. They were often acts of devotion, not defacement. In this episode, I’m joined by archaeologist and historian Mia Trentin to explore the fascinating world of Medieval Graffiti in Cyprus!

Primary Source XXXV: The Travels of Jacques Le Saige

Jacques Le Saige, a silk merchant from Douai, France, embarked on a journey to Jerusalem on March 19, 1518, visiting Cyprus from July to September of that year. In this episode, we hear of his visit to Saint Sophia in Nicosia, offering some of the earliest evidence of medieval "graffiti" -- in this case, marks left by visiting pilgrims. His own name, etched into the wall of the Church of St. Francis in Famagusta, was rediscovered in 1901.
Churches in Cyprus were, surprisingly, quite often riddled with graffiti. Most would assume those were marks of desecration. Was that always the case? Let this captivating primary source serve as a prelude to next month's episode, Medieval Graffiti with Mia Trentin!

34. Hail Alexis, the Peasant King: The Cypriot Peasant Revolt with Chrysovalantis Kyriacou

In 1426, if but for a short while, Cyprus had two kings. King Janus of Cyprus and the ill-fated "Peasant King," Alexis, crowned by the people. The Peasant Revolt is a little known event in Cyprus' history but it is believed to have been triggered by the Mamluk invasion, the capture of King Janus and the sack of Nicosia. After the Muslim withdrawal, peasants revolted proclaiming the peasant Alexis as king. In short time, the rebellion was put down and Alexis was executed. Where was this rooted? How did it unfold? Join me with Dr. Chrysovalantis Kyriacou as we discuss the 1426 Peasant Revolt!

Primary Source XXXIV: The Strambali Chronicle

This month's Primary Source is based on the "Strambal(d)i Chronicle" written at the end of the 16th century by Diomede Strambali -- a native of Cyprus -- who by the end of the Ottoman conquest, had fled to Rome as a refugee and had his work commissioned in Italian. The Chronicle recounts one of the infamous revolts in Cyprus whereby a peasant king, King Alexis, was crowned, if but for a short while. This is a relatively unknown chapter in Cypriot history that has seldom been written about. But it is the only time in Cypriot history where Cyprus had two kings. The tale recounted in this Primary Source is believed to be largely lifted from Leontios Machairas' work but provides us with a fascinating springboard into next month's episode: The Cypriot Peasant Revolt of 1426 with Professor Chrysovalantis Kyriacou!
And if you enjoyed this Primary Source, please consider supporting the Podcast by joining as a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast