Medieval and Renaissance Cyprus was a fascinating place of ethnic, cultural, and religious encounters.
Modern historiographical readings of Cypriot identity in medieval and early modern times have been colored.
Following almost nine centuries of Byzantine rule, Cyprus was conquered by the Crusaders in 1191, becoming (until 1571) the most important stronghold of Latin Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean--first Under the Frankish dynasty of the Lusignans, and later Under the Venetians.
Medieval and Renaissance Cyprus was a fascinating place of ethnic, cultural, and religious encounters