Part 6/9:
In 58 BC, Roman dominance began, fundamentally altering the island's trajectory. Under Roman rule, Cyprus became a prosperous and peaceful trading center, but this stability was disrupted in the 7th century by the rise of the Umayyad Caliphate, which negotiated a unique treaty with the Byzantine Empire to co-manage the island.
An Era of Crusaders, Ottomans, and British Influence
The Crusades introduced a new layer of complexity, with Richard the Lionheart's brief conquest leading to the establishment of a French ruling aristocracy under the Kingdom of Cyprus. This unique governance model allowed the majority Greek population to maintain their customs while paying taxes to foreign rulers.