Discover the History of Cyprus Part 2: The Age of Copper and Bronze

The Age of Copper and Bronze

Cyprus's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean made it a vital crossroads of ancient civilizations. After its earliest prehistoric period, the island entered a transformative era marked by technological advances, trade, and cultural exchange—ushering in the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) and Bronze Age.

The Chalcolithic Period (c. 3900–2500 BCE)

The transition from stone to metal began around 3900 BCE, as Cypriots started using copper for tools and ornaments alongside stone. This era saw increased village life, more complex dwellings, and a rise in symbolic art, especially figurines. One of the most iconic finds is the "limbless cruciform figurine", possibly representing fertility worship.

Communities were still small but self-sufficient, and archaeological finds show a society deeply tied to its land, animals, and early mining efforts.

The Bronze Age (c. 2500–1050 BCE)

This was a period of great change. Cyprus's rich copper deposits gave it immense importance. The island became a hub for maritime trade, exporting copper ingots shaped like oxhides to regions as far as Mesopotamia and Egypt.

• Early Bronze Age (c. 2500–1900 BCE): Small fortified settlements appeared, and metallurgy became more sophisticated.

  
  

• Middle Bronze Age (c. 1900–1650 BCE): Social organization developed further, with evidence of communal granaries and possible religious structures.

  
  

• Late Bronze Age (c. 1650–1050 BCE): Cyprus blossomed into a flourishing trade center. Rich cities like Enkomi and Hala Sultan Tekke emerged, showcasing palatial architecture, writing systems (such as Cypro-Minoan script), and a cosmopolitan culture.

The island was home to local elites and likely influenced by Mycenaeans, Hittites, and Egyptians. By the end of this era, Greek-speaking settlers began to arrive, setting the stage for the next cultural shift.

Legacy

The Bronze Age left Cyprus with a strong identity as a metallurgical and trade power. Archaeological treasures from this era fill museums today, revealing a society that balanced tradition with innovation and was deeply connected to the ancient world.

Next up in the series:👉 The Classical and Hellenistic Periods (480–30 BC)