Best Cypriot Archeology Books!
Alexis Drakopoulos
Alexis Drakopoulos is a Greek Cypriot Machine Learning Engineer working in Financial Crimes. He is passionate about Archeology and making it accessible to everyone.
The rich history and unique cultural heritage of Ancient Cyprus have long fascinated archaeologists and historians. Yet, finding comprehensive resources on this subject can be challenging, especially for books still in print. In this post, I aim to share a curated list of invaluable books for anyone interested in the archeology of Cyprus, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into this captivating field.
December 26, 2023
Archeology
Archeological Books & Catalogues
The rich history and unique cultural heritage of Ancient Cyprus have long fascinated archaeologists and historians. Yet, finding comprehensive resources on this subject can be challenging, especially for books still in print. In this post, I aim to share a curated list of invaluable books for anyone interested in the archeology of Cyprus, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into this captivating field.
Desmond Morris
Most renowned as a zoologist and surrealist painter, Desmond Morris also carved a niche for himself in the world of Cypriot archaeology. His extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities, primarily from the Bronze Age, was amassed between 1967 and 1976, mainly through purchases on the London art market. This collection, comprising over a thousand significant pieces, reflects his profound interest in this field.
In 1985, Desmond Morris authored a seminal work, "The Ancient Art of Cyprus", published by Phaidon - a favorite of mine both for its content and publisher. This book stands out not just for the breadth of its collection but for the palpable passion Morris exudes for ancient Cypriot archaeology. His writing is both enthusiastic and accessible, making complex concepts about ceramic shapes and patterns easy to understand. This approach has greatly influenced how we structure articles on this site.
The book is not a difficult nor long read, with the text interspersed with many examples from his amazing collection. The book's engaging narrative and visual richness make it more than just a casual read. Unfortunately, it's no longer in print, but it's a treasure worth seeking out, with copies occasionally available online for around $100 - $150.
Vassos Karageorghis: A Pillar in Cypriot Archeology
When discussing the archeology of ancient Cyprus, one cannot overlook the contributions of Karageorghis. His extensive work has become a cornerstone in this field, with his name frequently appearing in scholarly papers and publications. Karageorghis is celebrated not only for the breadth of his archeological work on Cyprus but also for his exceptional catalogues that have become essential resources for anyone delving into Cypriot archeology.
Among his many publications, the following books stand out and are highly recommended:
- Ancient Art From Cyprus: The Cesnola Collection: This book offers a comprehensive look at the Cesnola Collection, one of the largest Cypriot collections which was and is the foundation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Cypriot collection which we also host on this website.
- Early Cyprus: Crossroads of the Mediterranean: This work explores Cyprus's pivotal role in the Mediterranean world, presenting a rich tapestry of the island's early history.
La Ceramique Chypriote de Style Figuré
A lesser-known yet significant contribution from Karageorghis is the "La Ceramique Chypriote de Style Figuré" series. Published in three volumes (1974, 1975, and 1979), these books delve into Iron Age Cypriot ceramics, with an emphasis on Free Field art. The series is renowned for its detailed cataloguing and analysis, making it a valuable resource for specialists in the field. However, these books are relatively rare and available only in French. It's important to note that the second and third volumes are continuations of the first, expanding on its foundational research. The third volume is only text, whereas the first two serve as catalogues.
I will be writing a separate post diving into this series of books.
Discovering Cypriot Heritage at the A G Leventis Gallery Shop
For enthusiasts of Cypriot art and history, the A G Leventis Gallery Shop offers an impressive selection of catalogues that are both accessible and affordable. Priced around 20 euros, these books are not just valuable resources for scholars and collectors but also for anyone interested in the rich cultural legacy of Cyprus.
A Treasure Trove of Cypriot Art Catalogues
The shop features a range of publications that showcase ancient Cypriot art from various perspectives and collections. Here are some noteworthy titles:
- Ancient Cypriote Art in the Leto and Costakis Severis Collection
- Ancient Cypriot Art in Berlin
- Ancient Cypriot Art in Copenhagen
- Ancient Cypriot Art in Russian Museums
- Ancient Cypriot Art in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- Aspects of Everyday Life in Cyprus
While the books don't offer the same experience and insights as those by Morris and Karageorghis, they are still valuable resources for those wishing exposure to more examples of Cypriot art.