The History of Cyprus Podcast

• *NEW!* Primary Source XLIV: From the Pen of Stefano Lusignan

  Stefano Lusignan (also known as Étienne de Lusignan) was a member of the Lusignan family, which ruled over Cyprus during the medieval period. He is known for his historical works, particularly his chronicles that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Cyprus during his time. Though writing at the tail end of the Venetian Period, his writings often focused on the Lusignan dynasty and its rule over the island. His works are considered important sources for understanding the medieval history of Cyprus and provides us some insight into the perception of medieval women which were stereotyped as either wholly pious or susceptible to immorality -- perceptions which are simplistic and problematic. This excerpt provides both perspectives as a springboard into next month's episode where we discuss Women in Medieval Cyprus with returning guest, Angel-Nicolaou Konnari.

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• *NEW!* Ancient Scripts, City-States, and Hidden Museum Treasures: A Huge Year Ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast

  Big things are coming! I’m sharing some exciting updates about what’s ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast — including new episodes on the Cypro-Minoan script, ancient Cypriot city-states, and even a chat with The Met Museum curators on the grand reopening of the Cesnola Collection. 

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• 43. Erudites in Exile: The Kigalas Family with Ioannis Kyriakantonakis

  In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the Kigalas family, a prominent Cypriot family that played a significant role in the religious and intellectual landscape of the 16th and 17th centuries. My guest, Ioannis Kyriakantonakis, provides an in-depth look at the political and religious dynamics of the Kigalas family. At the heart of our discussion is Matthaios Kigalas, a highly influential Orthodox cleric and scholar who moved to Venice, where he became a key figure in both Orthodox and Catholic circles. We also trace the paths of his sons—Ioannis, Demetrios, and the enigmatic Hilarion Kigalas—who pursued careers in Renaissance Europe as scholars, physicians, and clerics. Through the lives of the Kigalas family, we uncover broader themes of identity, faith, and the fluid boundaries between East and West. Their story offers valuable insights into religious diplomacy, intellectual exchange, and the legacy and impact of Cypriot scholars abroad. You can purchase Ioannis' new book here: https://papazissi.gr/product/istorikos-logos-tis-megalis-ekklisias-kata-tin-proimi-neoterikotita/

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• Primary Source XLIII: From the Pen of Charles Patin

  "The Charites of Cyprus infused him with charm, With the tongue of Homer and the mind of Plato. -A distich from Ioannis Kigalas' portrait Ioannis Kigalas (Greek: Ιωάννης Κιγάλας; Italian: Giovanni Cigala, c. 1622 – c. 5 November 1687) was a Cypriot scholar and professor of Philosophy, Language and Logic at the University of Padua. Along with his brothers, Demetrios and Hilarion, they were educated at the Greek College of Rome, each pursuing distinct but interconnected careers within the intellectual and ecclesiastical spheres of their time.  In this excerpt we hear from Ioannis' colleague at the University of Padua, Charles Patin, professor of medicine, who praises Kigalas intellectual prowess. This leads us to next month's episode on the Kigalas Family. Here is the text in full: He cultivated the purity and elegance of the Attic language so earnestly that if the Attic Siren Isocrates or Xenophon’s muse were to revive, they would undoubtedly recognize in this man all the charms and beauty of their language. However, while he took delight in the more pleasant literary studies, he did not neglect the more rigorous disciplines; for he applied himself diligently to philosophy and theology, in which he excelled so much that, after demonstrating his sharp intellect through numerous public examinations, he was deservedly counted among the doctors of philosophy by the judgment of the wisest men. 

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• 42. Castrum Cyprium: Crusader Castles of Cyprus with James Petre

  Cyprus' landscape is dotted with castles -- most famously by those nestled on the Kyrenia mountain range -- many which predate the Lusignan Period. First built by the Byzantines to protect Cyprus' northern coast, these castles would become fortified and expanded by the Franks. But Western sources circa twelfth and thirteenth centuries speak of castles throughout the main cities including "castrum Famagustam," "castellum quod dicitur Baffes" and "castellum quoddam firmissimum" in Nicosia. Were there castles there too?  And for that matter, why were they later abandoned? Today my guest is renowned castellologist, Dr. James Petre, whose definitive work "Crusader Castles of Cyprus" frames the bulk of this episode.

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