The Egyptians must have really liked the beautiful Island of Cyprus because they just kept on coming back. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that in those days (1500 BC) they didn't have those luxury holiday resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Whatever the reason whether it was the sandy beaches or the great climate they just kept on coming back to her shores. They first took a trip there under the instruction of Thothes the third round about 500 BC but they only hung around Cyprus until the Mycenaen Greeks turned up. They (the Greeks) have been the main cultural influence on Cyprus since that time and Greek is the native language too.
Anyway, the Egyptians decided to pop back over to Cyprus again for another visit in the 16th century BC. It was all the idea of the top dude of the time who was some guy called Amasis. They however legged it rather promptly when the Persians arrived to embrace Cyprus into their ever expanding empire. This was not all bad news for the Greeks though because at least it introduced them to the decadent luxuries of those fabulous Persian rugs. Unfortunately for the Persians however there was trouble brewing on the far horizon in the form of a dude called Alex. Alexander The Great as he preffered to be known had been pretty busy conquering most of the known world and had a particular bone to pick with the Persians.
Then guess what? Yep that's right the Egyptians decided to pop back over to Cyprus for another visit some time after 323 BC. The Island was then ruled by Eygptian rulers including Queen Cleopatra who maintained control right up until 58 BC when the Romans turned up. We all know at least a little of what went off after that involving Anthony, Caesar and Queen Cleopatra as she attempted to hold onto her empire. Well, like my old granddad used to say "all good things come to an end" and they did for the Romans too. Their Global empire eventually came tumbling down around their heads and they passed along with the Egyptians into Cyprus history. Then the Byzantine empire moved in followed by the Venetians who made great blinds but weren`t to nice to ruled by. So Cyprus let the Ottoman empire in who didn't give them any blanket boxes (ottormans) but they have hung around ever since but that's another Cyprus history lesson.
The great news is that now Cyprus is invading Egypt and you can take part if you want. Every week a cruise liner leaves Limassol and sails to port Said packed full of invading tourist. They have a great time on board dinning at the captains table, gambling in the casino and generally enjoying the delights of Ocean cruising. When the ship berths in Eygypt the invading Cyprus tourist board a fleet of luxury air conditioned coaches and head out across the trans desert highway towards Cairo. If they stay alert they will even catch a glimpse of the legendary Suez canal too. Once they arrive near Cairo it's off to see the pyramids and maybe even take a camel ride into the desert. Then it's a short hop down the road to take a look at the Sphinx (not the trendy bar in Protaras) that giant stone cat in the middle of the desert.
The highlight of the day for most people is a visit to the Cairo museum to see the famous burial mask of the boy king Tutankhamen. Finally there should be time for a bit of retail therapy in the bazaars before setting off again for Port Said. Back on the ship in time for dinner, more decadent gambling at the roulette table and a steady cruise back to Cyprus. Then after breakfast it's all ashore for onwards travel back to hotels and apartments in time for some more sun bathing or whatever. It doesn't look like the Egyptians are too bothered about coming back to the Island anytime soon but you never know. If cruising isn't your cup of tea but you are interested in Egypt's impact on the Island you could always pay a visit to the Nicosia museum. There you can see what is arguably the best collection of Egyptian artifacts in Cyprus.
No comments:
Post a Comment