History. See the future. It’s in the past.

This archaeology course will explore the history of human activity on the island of Cyprus, from the Neolithic to the modern world by focusing on 100 key objects from the Cyprus Museum and museums around the world. The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and is the third largest Mediterranean island. During the ten millennia of human occupation, it has developed a unique history and distinctive cultural outlook.

Using key archaeological items, we will explore why the island was important in Mediterranean history; from copper production, to shipping trade networks, and Mediterranean military strategy. Artists and artisans on Cyprus developed unique cultural traditions in ceramics, stone, metal and other materials and provide an interesting study for the amateur archaeologist.

Along the way, we will meet figures as diverse as Cleopatra, William Shakespeare, Leonardo di Vinci, Winston Churchill and a range of archaeologists and historians who have worked on the island from around the world, along with the people of Cyprus themselves.

Aims

This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the fascinating history of Cyprus and equip you with the skills to recognise Cypriot shapes, designs and patterns in pottery, sculpture, architecture and other materials, and the unique and distinctive styles of Cypriot production. You will also gain an understanding of the processes and the history of archaeology on the island.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• trace the development and history of human interaction on the island, from the Neolithic to the modern world
• identify key artistic and cultural developments, and recognise decorations, styles and time periods unique to Cyprus
• describe the relationship between Cyprus and other Mediterranean historical superpowers including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, etc
• talk about your knowledge of key archaeological sites and places of historical interest
• talk about the historical development of archaeology on the island.

Content

Week 1: An introduction to the archaeology of Cyprus

• The history and development of archaeology in Cyprus, including Australia’s involvement since the 1930s.
• The geography and climate of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and its impact on human activity.
• Key trends in the island’s long history.

Week 2: The Neolithic and Bronze Ages

• Explore the art, archaeology and key sites of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, by focusing on 25 objects.

Week 3: Iron Age Cyprus

• Explore the art, archaeology and key sites of the Iron Age, through 25 objects.

Week 4: Hellenistic and Roman Cyprus

• The art, archaeology and key sites of the Hellenistic and Roman period reflected through 25 representative objects.

Week 5: Medieval to Modern Cyprus

• Explore key sites and archaeology of the Late Roman to modern periods on the island through 25 objects.

Intended audience

Open to the general public.

Prerequisites

None

Delivery style

This course runs over five, weekly sessions of 2 hours.

Delivery mode

Online via the platform Zoom

Materials

All course materials are provided electronically (via Dropbox). Printing services are not provided.