Cyprus: Historical and DescriptiveLöher, Franz von
History
Cyprus: Historical and Descriptive
Löher, Franz von
Cyprus -- Description and travel; Cyprus -- History
The Phœnicians are believed to have first founded a town here and
called it Kiti; by the Greeks it was known as Kition, and from
this source was derived the Asiatic designation of Kitier, for the
inhabitants of Cyprus. At a later date Grecian settlers took possession
of it; artists, weavers, and artisans in large numbers poured in, and
dwelt side by side with the Syrians, but occupying their own part of
the town, gradually introducing their own language to common use as in
Antioch and Alexandria, and giving a Grecian tone to the education of
the higher classes. The Latin tongue, on the contrary, seems never to
have gained a footing in the East. Cyprus, however, formed an exception
to this rule, and during the four centuries that the island was subject
to the sway of the Lusignan dynasty, and Venetian rule, Latin was in
general use. Not a trace of it, however, now remains. Modern Greek is
spoken, even in most of the Turkish houses, and is understood in every
part of the country. The consulate body in Larnaka has representatives
from every state in Europe. Its haven is the best in the island,
although on account of the shallowness of the water, vessels are
compelled to steer clear of the sand and ride at some distance from the
town.
The whole of this interesting island may be regarded as one huge
graveyard, the treasures of which are disclosed at every turn of
the spade. In Idalion, the Greeks, it appears, had formerly made
their graves three feet below the surface, and, probably unknown to
themselves, only some three or four feet above those occupied by the
Phœnician colonists. In these graves, now filled up by the drifting
earth of successive centuries, are found embedded small earthen
articles, trinkets, coins, and a great variety of interesting trifles.
Amongst other articles shown me, were elegant little figures, sucking
bottles for children, and every variety of vases and cups in clay and
glass.[1] What struck me most, however, were some delicate gold chains
and ear-rings, and some yellowish blue vases of Phœnician glass.
Towards evening I visited the chief part of the town, which is about
a quarter of an hour’s walk from the haven, and called upon the
bishop. Here I learnt many interesting facts concerning the recent
improvements made in means of popular education. Until thirty years
ago, schools were strictly prohibited, whereas now, every town has its
training school; whilst in three of the chief towns, Larnaka, Nikosia,
and Limasol, these are of three grades, and in them are taught history,
geography, and Grecian literature, even to the reading of Homer and
Xenophon. The prices for these classes are from 100 to 300 marks.
Anything over and above this charge is covered by the bishop, and a
toll upon the exports and imports of the towns.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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