Where does the word ‘Cyprus’ come from?

The very first mention of Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, is found in the works of Homer, dating from the 6th century BC. However, based on archaeological excavations, scholars believe that the earliest human settlements appeared here as far back as the Neolithic period, in the 7th millennium BC. What a variety of peoples and civilisations have passed through this land, situated at the crossroads of three continents — Europe, Asia and Africa — and boasting a rich history shrouded in myths and legends.

For centuries, Cyprus, with its strategically advantageous location at the crossroads of maritime trade routes, as well as its vast deposits of copper ore and forest resources, has attracted conquerors and settlers. The first of these – the Greeks – arrived in Cyprus around 3,000 years ago, and in the centuries that followed, the island, situated at the epicentre of various historical events, came under the rule, in turn, of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Persians and the Romans, before becoming part of the Byzantine Empire.

This was followed by invasions by the Crusaders, the Lusignans, the Turks and the British. Cyprus gained independence for the first time in 3,500 years in 1960, whilst retaining its own language and distinctive culture. As for the origin of the island’s name, there is no consensus amongst scholars on this matter. Some believe that Cyprus owes its name to copper (from the Latin ‘cuprum’), however, many argue that the opposite is true: the island was named after this metal, which was found here in vast quantities around 3,800 BC.

Other historians believe that the word ‘Cyprus’ derives from one of the names of Aphrodite, who in ancient Greek mythology was also known as Cypris. According to legend, having been born from the sea foam, she first set foot on this very island, which was then named after her. There is also a theory that Cyprus was named after the cypress trees that grew here in abundance.