8
Byzantine Era:
There is a longstanding relationship between the Armenians and Cyprus, possibly dating back
to the 5th century BC. However, Armenians have had a continuous documented presence on the island since
578 AD. During his campaign against the Persian King Chosroes I, Byzantine General Maurice the Cappadocian
captured 10.090 Armenians in Arzanene, of whom about 3.350 were transferred to Cyprus. Judging by the
strategic position of the colonies they established (Armenokhori, Arminou, Kornokipos, Patriki, Platani,
Spathariko and perhaps Mousere), it is very likely that they served Byzantium as mercenary soldiers
and frontiersmen.
More Armenians arrived in the subsequent centuries, for political, commercial and military reasons. During
the mid-Byzantine period, Armenian generals and governors served in Cyprus, like Alexios Mousere (868-874),
Basil Haigaz (958), Vahram (965), Elpidios Vrakhamios (1075-1085) and Leo of Symbatices (910-911), who
undertook the construction of Saint Lazarus’ basilica in Larnaka. In 973, Catholicos Khatchig I established the
Armenian Bishopric in Nicosia. After Isaac Comnenus’ wedding to the daughter of the Armenian prince Thoros
II in 1185, Armenian nobles and warriors came with him to Cyprus, many of whom defended the island against
Richard the Lionheart (1191) and the Knights Templar (1192).
A Brief History
THE
ARMENIANS
OF CYPRUS
l
The medieval church of the Virgin Mary of Ganchvor in walled
Famagusta (2004).
