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Cyprus History
The Middle Ages
Guy of Lusignan, from a prominent family during the time
of the crusades, received the island of Cyprus from King Richard
I of England. He established Nicosia as the capital in 1192.
His brother Amalric II succeeded him (1194) as King of Cyprus.
Cyprus flourished under Lusignan rule until about 1370, but
then it declined and eventually became dependent on Venice
and was obliged to pay tribute to Egypt. Famagusta was ceded
in mid 1370’s to Genoa as security for the release of
captive King Peter II. In the next century Lusignan rule of
Cyprus had little power. The situation changed in 1460 when
Queen Charlotte was expelled by the half Greek illegitimate
son of her late husband. The usurper who became King James
II, recovered Famagusta in 1464 and married the Venetian heiress
Caterina Cornaro. Their son James III died in 1474 and with
him the Lusignan dynasty ended. In 1489 Venice took complete
control of Cyprus and the capital moved from Nicosia to Famagusta.
Famagusta was strongly fortified by the Venetians. The governor’s
palace the Cathedral of St Nicholas and many churches testify
to its medieval splendour.
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