Die zyprischen Königtümer im Schatten der Großreiche des Vorderen Orients

The island of Cyprus, inhabited by Greeks, Phoenicians and autochtonous
people, was divided into several small kingdoms in Archaic and Classical
times. This monograph studies the internal and external developments of
these kingdoms from the 8th to the 4th centuries BC. First, it examines
whether the different linguistic groups living on the island developed
separate identities and to what extent these can be categorised as
'ethnic'. The external situation of the Cypriot kingdoms was determined
by the proximity of the Near Eastern empires, and to understand these
relations two theoretical concepts are applied: the 'centre-periphery'
model and the concept of 'suzerainty'. Assyria and Persia respected
local governing traditions, as long as the petty kings on the periphery
fulfilled their duties by paying tributes and providing military
support. This form of relationship came to an end with the wars of
Alexander's successors, when Cyprus became one of the centres of
conflict which finally led to the abolition of the Cypriot kingdoms.
Until the end of the 4th century, monarchy remained the only form of
government on the island. This long-lasting institution, which can best
be descibed in theoretical terms as 'traditional monarchy', is examined
through the use of all the written sources available.