The Cultures Neighbouring Ancient Cyprus
During the Early Bronze Age (around 2500-1900 BCE), Cyprus was influenced by its neighbors across the Mediterranean. To the east, the advanced civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt had an impact on Cypriot material culture, particularly in metallurgy and pottery styles. Evidence of trade with Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) to the north has also been found. The island's strategic location made it a natural hub for maritime trade, allowing for cultural exchanges with these surrounding regions.
As time progressed into the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age (approximately 1600-600 BCE), Cyprus continued to be a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures. Mycenaean Greek influence became pronounced, especially in ceramics and burial practices. Phoenician traders from the Levantine coast established colonies on the island, bringing their alphabet and religious practices. The Neo-Assyrian Empire also exerted political control over Cyprus for a time. This period saw Cyprus developing a unique blend of indigenous traditions with elements adopted from these various neighboring cultures, setting the stage for its later historical developments.
We document all cultures including those that had no direct known influence on the island of Cyprus for reference.
Early & Middle Bronze Age
Prepalatial Minoans
Early Minoan civilization on Crete before the construction of large palace complexes.
Early & Middle Bronze Age Egypt
Period of centralized power under the Old and Middle Kingdoms, marked by pyramid construction and...
Early & Middle Bronze Age Mesopotamia
Era of city-states, followed by the rise of empires like Akkad and Babylon.
Old Syrian
Early Bronze Age Syrian culture characterized by urbanization and trade networks.
Late Bronze Age
Neopalatial & Postpaliatial Minoans
Peak and decline of Minoan civilization, featuring elaborate palaces and eventual Mycenaean...
New Kingdom Egypt
Egypt's imperial age, marked by expansion, wealth, and iconic pharaohs like Tutankhamun.
Late Bronze Age Mesopotamia
Period dominated by the Kassites in Babylon and the rise of Assyria.
Mycenaeans
Bronze Age Greek civilization known for its palatial culture, Linear B script, and military prowess.
Iron Age
Iron Age Egypt
Period of decline and foreign rule, including Libyan, Nubian, and Persian dynasties.
Philistines
Sea Peoples who settled in Canaan, known for their distinctive pottery and conflicts with the...
Phoenicians
Seafaring Canaanite civilization renowned for their alphabet, trade networks, and colonies.
Neo Syrian
Late Bronze Age Syrian culture influenced by surrounding empires and characterized by rich material...
Iron Age Mesopotamia
Era dominated by the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires, ending with the rise of Persia.