Cyprus: The Island of Aphrodite with Dr. Guillaume Durand

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island of rare beauty, long history, and mythological fame. It was here that goddess Aphrodite was born from the foam of the waves, an image recreated by artists since antiquity. In this seminar, we will look back at 10,000 years of history, art, and architecture from the Neolithic period to the Ottoman Empire while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites on the island.

Cyprus has experienced a history of exceptional intensity. From its early integration into the ancient near east culture and trade, the later influences of the Greeks and the Romans, and finally, the Christian Crusades’ destination, Cyprus has stories to tell.

Our seminar will highlight and give context to the significant monuments and masterpieces this island holds, ranging from the Neolithic cruciform idols and the Bronze age Horned God displayed in the Archaeology Museum of Nicosia, the Roman mosaics of the Domus of Dionysos, and Theseus at Paphos, the Early Christian churches, notably, the Church of Chryssopolitissa which was built where Saint Paul was flogged. We will also explore the medieval Christian period and the Byzantine and Catholic Gothic churches and cathedrals of Nicosia and Famagusta. We will consider the Abbey of Bellapaïs before concluding with the Ottoman conquest in the sixteenth century.

Led by Guillaume Durand, Ph.D., this seminar will provide an overview of Cyprus’s history and art by exploring its main cultural heritage from a multidisciplinary perspective. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the civilizations and the art that developed in this part of the Mediterranean.