The History of Cyprus Podcast

*NEW!* Primary Source XLVII: Sir Arthur Evans and the Cypro-Minoan Script

Sir Arthur Evans was a British archaeologist best known for excavating the Minoan palace at Knossos in Crete. He named the Minoan civilization, developed the idea of a pre-Greek Aegean culture, and famously (though controversially) reconstructed parts of the site. But for our purposes, Evans played a key early role in identifying and naming the Cypro-Minoan script. During his study of Aegean scripts, he noticed that some undeciphered inscriptions from Late Bronze Age Cyprus resembled the Linear A script of Minoan Crete and he coined the term Cypro-Minoan to describe these signs, believing they represented a local offshoot of the Minoan writing tradition brought to Cyprus through cultural contact or colonization. Evans recognized its significance and proposed that it was a syllabic script related to earlier Aegean systems. In this excerpt, we hear from his own observations on the enigmatic script -- which leads us to next month's guest, Dr. Cassandra Donnelly as we discuss the enigmatic and undeciphered Cypro-Minoan script!

46. By Sword and By Song: The Byzantine Warrior Hero with Chrysovalantis Kyriacou

In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Chrysovalantis Kyriacou where we discuss the ακριτικά τραγούδια i.e., the Acritic Songs! These are heroic ballads from the borderlands that emerged between the 9th and 11th centuries, highlighting semi- mythological figures like the legendary Digenis Akritas. Passed down through performances at festivals and weddings -- often created and performed by or for rural peasants -- these songs provide rare insight into the lives, struggles, and values of marginalized medieval communities. Their transmission reflects both elite and popular storytelling styles, often mixing Homeric, Christian, and local themes. In Cyprus, these songs were adapted into the local dialect. They also included unique Cypriot experiences, like in The Song of Antzoules, which reflects Cypriot responses to events in Anemourion in Anatolia and subsequent Frankish rule. In Cyprus, the legend of Digenis is imprinted on the land itself, from his handprint on the Pentadaktylos to the rocks of Petra tou Romiou, once believed to have been hurled at Saracen ships by Digenis himself!
P.S. In this episode I learn that Vikings (VARANGIANS) may have been stationed in Cyprus!

*SPECIAL!* Dark Christmas Folklore in "Motherwitch," a Film by Minos Papas

Merry Christmas! 'Tis the season to light your fireplaces and put out your colanders -- the 12 Days of Christmas are here! And of course you know, that means those pesky Kalikantzari (Christmas goblins) are back again, sowing mischief and cruel tricks. But it's not all bad news. Minos Papas' latest feature film* is making its rounds globally and featuring at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. I had the opportunity to screen the movie a couple weeks ago and chat again with Minos. This film is truly his love letter to Cyprus, its history and its heritage. In this episode, we chat about the performances, the themes and the post-production that went into the film. You'll also get to hear updates on how and when you can see the movie!
*If you missed our first interview with Minos on the folklore and the making of Motherwitch, check out "Fantasy, Folklore & Film: 'Motherwitch' with Minos Papas" (October 2024)
>>> https://iffr.com/en/iffr/2026/films/motherwitch

Primary Source XLVI: The Acritic Songs

The Acritic Songs are a collection of Byzantine folk songs whose origins date back to the 9th-11th centuries. These songs celebrate the exploits of the "Acritae," or the frontiersmen, who patrolled the empire's periphery, protecting it from Saracen (Arab) marauders. Though we don't know the exact contexts in which these songs were performed, we know that they appealed to the bottom rungs of society, the disenfranchised and the down-trodden, as the songs were adopted and adapted all over the Greek speaking world -- including, of course, Cyprus. These songs were passed down in oral tradition and adapted linguistically in Cyprus in a way that reflected its own social and political realities. The stories themselves generally fell into two categories: those that celebrate royal authority and look towards God or the State as a source of comfort and protection (ca. 9th-12th centuries) and those which celebrate the hero fighting authority and resisting the cosmic order which is dated after the 13th century (see: Charopalema i.e., Digenis' battle with Death).For this particular song, as interpreted and performed by Michalis Christodoulides Costas Charalambides and Areti Kasapi (and can be purchased here)*, we hear an excerpt from "Ο Κάουρας" (i.e., The Crab). In the song, a giant, monstrous crab chokes the waters of a village/town, terrorizing the community. One of the most notable Acritic heroes, Digenis Akritas, is called upon to defend the people from its terror. The story of the Giant Crab evokes Herculean themes. Those familiar with Greek mythology might identify Digenis's battle with Hercules fighting Karkinos that came to assist the Lernean Hydra. Next month, I welcome back Dr. Chrysovalanti Kyriacou to discuss the Acrites and the Byzantine Warrior Hero!The Acritic Songs on YouTube*Στες Άκρες Των Άκρων - Ακριτικά Τραγούδια Της Κύπρου: Μιχάλης Χριστοδουλίδης, Αρετή Κασάπη, Κώστας Χαραλαμπίδης**Artwork by Dimitris Skourtelis 

45. (in)Conspicuous Consumption: The Material Culture of Medieval Cyprus with Maria Parani

Material culture-textiles, ceramics, furniture, even the games people played-offers us a window into the lived experience of a diverse society. From the magnificence of the Lusignan court, with its gold-threaded tapestries and Venetian clocks, to the humble cooking vessels of the lower classes, these artifacts reveal not only economic and social divides but also cultural exchanges that blurred the lines between Greek, Latin, and near east traditions.
Yet, such information is not always easy to find. Few archaeological excavations of the settlements themselves have been conducted on medieval Cyprus, so most of what we know comes from written sources--the accounts of travelers and chroniclers who were dazzled by the nobles’ riches, or the inventories of men like Guy d’Ibelin, a bishop whose household possessions testified both to his monastic vows and to his feudal rank.
What can the material culture of medieval Cyprus tell us about its people, their identities, and their aspirations? How did objects serve as status symbols, as well as tools of everyday survival? What are some of the challenges historians and archaeologists face when reconstructing the material world of the past-especially for those at the lower levels of society?
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Maria Parani to help us piece together this fascinating mosaic of history.

Primary Source XLV: The Travels of Wilbrand von Oldeburg

To begin with, I'd like to draw your attention to the music in this primary source. It is called J. II. 9 (Turin Codex) also known as the Cyprus Codex, an anonymous manuscript created at the Nicosia court in the early 15th century during the Frankish rule of Cyprus under the Lusignan Dynasty. It is the only known source of Western music from the region and one of the rare exclusively French codices from that era. In other words, you're listening to Medieval Cypriot music that has been reconstructed by Dimitris Kountouras. The full album*, "ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΥΛΗ ΤΩΝ ΛΟΥΖΙΝΙΑΝΩΝ: Ο ΚΩΔΙΚΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ" can be purchased here:https://exsilentio.org/ https://s22.gr/products/kountouras-kyprosWilbrand von Oldenburg, a nobleman from 12th-century Germany, pursued an ecclesiastical career and became a canon of Hildesheim in 1211. Connected to imperial and religious elites, he traveled to the Holy Land (1211–1213) for diplomacy and pilgrimage. His Itinerarium Terrae Sanctae is a key source on the political, military, and religious landscape of Lesser Armenia, Cyprus, and the Levant, highlighting the region’s cultural diversity. He makes several observations on the affluence of the island's nobility and their conspicuous consumption. This primary source serves as a springboard into my next episode with Dr. Maria Parani on the Material Culture of Medieval Cyprus!*Φανή Αντωνέλου φωνή / Fanie Antonelou voiceΦλώρα Παπαδοπούλου γοτθική άρπα / Flora Papadopoulos gothic harpΗλέκτρα Μηλιάδου βιέλα / Elektra Miliadou fiddleΝίκος Βαρελάς κρουστά / Nikos Varelas percussionΔημήτρης Κούντουρας φλάουτο με ράμφος & διεύθυνση/ Dimitris Kountouras recorder & direction

BONUS EPISODE! Armenian-Cypriots with Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra

The history of Armenians in Cyprus is traced back to centuries, shaped by waves of migration, resilience, and cultural contributions. In this episode, I sit down with Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra to explore the deep-rooted history of Armenian Cypriots, from their earliest presence on the island to their pivotal role in modern Cypriot society. We discuss their arrival and establishment in Cyprus and how they maintained their distinct identity while integrating into Cypriot life. Hadjilyra sheds light on their contributions to commerce, education, and the arts, highlighting figures who played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape. We also explore the challenges faced by the Armenian community, including displacement, language preservation, and political shifts, while examining how Armenian Cypriots navigated their dual identity in a changing world. Through stories of survival, adaptation, and innovation, this episode delves into how a small yet influential community helped shape Cyprus' history and continues to leave its mark today.

44. Piety and Passion: Women in Medieval Cyprus with Angel Nicolaou-Konnari

The legal status of women in medieval Cyprus was influenced by a mix of Byzantine, Frankish, and local customs. While legal frameworks varied, women often faced limitations on property ownership and inheritance rights. However, some women managed to attain positions of influence and power, challenging traditional norms. Despite societal constraints, women in medieval Cyprus demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Their contributions and agency, whether in domestic spheres, economic activities, or shaping political alliances, left an indelible mark on the island's history. Join me this month as I welcome back Dr. Angel Nicolaou-Konnari!

Primary Source XLIV: From the Pen of Stefano Lusignan

Stefano Lusignan (also known as Étienne de Lusignan) was a member of the Lusignan family, which ruled over Cyprus during the medieval period. He is known for his historical works, particularly his chronicles that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Cyprus during his time. Though writing at the tail end of the Venetian Period, his writings often focused on the Lusignan dynasty and its rule over the island. His works are considered important sources for understanding the medieval history of Cyprus and provides us some insight into the perception of medieval women which were stereotyped as either wholly pious or susceptible to immorality -- perceptions which are simplistic and problematic. This excerpt provides both perspectives as a springboard into next month's episode where we discuss Women in Medieval Cyprus with returning guest, Angel-Nicolaou Konnari.

Ancient Scripts, City-States, and Hidden Museum Treasures: A Huge Year Ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast

Big things are coming! I’m sharing some exciting updates about what’s ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast — including new episodes on the Cypro-Minoan script, ancient Cypriot city-states, and even a chat with The Met Museum curators on the grand reopening of the Cesnola Collection.