The Test of Time

Few countries can trace the course of their history over 9.000 years, but in approximately 6.800 B.c. the island of Cyprus was already inhabited and going through its Neolithic Age. Of all the momentous events that were to sweep the country through the next few thousand years, one of the most crucial was the discovery of copper - or kuprum in Latin - the mineral which was to give its name to the island and generate untold wealth. The island's strategic position, its copper deposits and its timber attracted the first Greeks who came to the island over 3.000 years ago at the end of the Trojan wars. They settled down bringing in with them and establishing the Greek identity, language and civilisation.

Over the centuries Cyprus came under the sway of various rulers including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, the successors to Alexander the Great and the Romans, before Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire.Later came the Crusaders, the Lusignans and Venetians, Ottomans and British.Cyprus won its independence in 1960, for the first time in 3.500 years, but the Greek identity of language and culture has been retained. In July 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus  and since then 37% of the island in the north is being illegally occupied by Turkish troops who acted in violation of all principles governing international relations.