Kyprianos Kouriokourineos Publishes "The Chronological History of the Island of Cyprus"

In 1788, Kyprianos Kouriokourineos, the Archbishop of Cyprus, published "The Chronological History of the Island of Cyprus" (Greek: Χρονολογική Ιστορία της Νήσου Κύπρου). This work was one of the earliest comprehensive histories of Cyprus, tracing the island's complex past from antiquity to his own time. Kyprianos, who was an important religious and national figure, played a significant role in fostering a sense of Cypriot identity during a period of Ottoman rule, when the island was part of the vast Ottoman Empire. The book, written in Greek, is notable for its detailed chronicling of Cyprus' history, combining both historical facts and local traditions. Kyprianos drew from a variety of sources, including earlier chronicles, oral histories, and church records, to compile a thorough account of the island’s political, cultural, and religious transformations. His work spans from the ancient periods, including Greek and Roman eras, through the Byzantine Empire, the Crusader Kingdoms, Venetian rule, and into the Ottoman occupation. Kyprianos’ purpose in writing this history was multifaceted. As the Archbishop, he wanted to preserve and promote the Greek Orthodox Christian identity of Cypriots during a time when the Ottoman Empire exerted significant influence over the island's political and cultural life. His work also reflected a broader effort within the Greek-speaking world to document and revive Hellenic heritage, which was part of the intellectual currents that contributed to the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830), though Cyprus itself would remain under Ottoman control until 1878. Kyprianos' Chronological History was not just a record of the past but also served as a cultural and political tool to foster a sense of unity and resilience among the Cypriots. His dedication to this cause would ultimately cost him his life, as he was executed by the Ottomans in 1821, along with other leading Cypriot figures, during the Greek War of Independence due to his perceived influence and nationalist sentiments. His book remains a valuable source for historians studying Cyprus and its rich, multi-layered history. It offers insights not only into the events and figures that shaped the island but also into how Cypriots saw themselves in relation to their rulers and their place within the broader Greek world. #Kyprianos #CypriotHistory #ChronologicalHistoryOfCyprus #OttomanCyprus #GreekOrthodox #CulturalHeritage #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife