Part 5/9:
After the Hittite Empire’s decline, Cyprus swayed between independence and foreign control. The Assyrian conquest in 709 BC marked one of the many changes in governance. Cyprus maintained independence for a brief period, only to be encircled by mightier empires, including the resurgence of Egypt and the expansive Persian Empire.
Following the Persian Wars, Cyprus entered an era marked by the arrival of Alexander the Great and the subsequent fragmentation of his empire. The island changed hands frequently, ultimately falling under the grasp of the Ptolemies who introduced Greek culture into the Cypriot fabric, leading to a rich blend of traditions.