Theme of Cyprus θέμα Κύπρου théma Kýprou | |||||||||
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965–1191 | |||||||||
Status | Theme of the Byzantine Empire (965–1185) Rump state (1185–1191) | ||||||||
Capital | Nicosia | ||||||||
Historical era | Middle Ages | ||||||||
• Establishment as a theme | 965 | ||||||||
• Isaac Komnenos of Cyprus proclaims independence | 1185 | ||||||||
ISO 3166 code | CY | ||||||||
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Today part of | Cyprus Akrotiri and Dhekelia |
Cyprus (Ancient Greek: Κύπρος, Kýpros) or the Theme of Cyprus (Ancient Greek: θέμα Κύπρου, théma Kýprou) was a Byzantine province located in the island of Cyprus, established in 965 after the reconquest of Cyprus by the Byzantine navy. Prior to this the island had been a Byzantine-Arab condominium for three centuries, except occasional short periods where it was occupied by either power.[1] Important cities on the island at this time included Nicosia, Limassol, and Famagusta.