Preface
Cyprus is the third largest island in the
Mediterranean. It was famous in antiquity for its copper mines,
fine craftsmanship and luxury goods, and, perhaps most of all, as
the birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology. For
much of its long history, and indeed down to modern times, Cyprus
has played a central role in the complex political and economic
relationships of the eastern Mediterranean area, both as a source
of raw materials and manufactured goods, but also as a point of
contact between the diverse populations of the entire region. This
is reflected in the richly textured archaeological record of
the island.
Beginning with the database of 1,800 items
from the important Late Bronze Age cemetery and settlement site of
Enkomi (around 1650 BC-1050 BC) completed by Dr Lindy
Crewe, this online research catalogue aims to provide a
detailed and fully illustrated database of the entire Cypriot
collection, together with essays outlining the history and
archaeological development of the sites represented in the British
Museum.
Over time this catalogue will grow as bodies
of material from other sites are added, along with additional
information to help the reader understand the archaeology of the
island. The entire Cyprus collection can already be browsed in
the Museum's online collections database, though please note that
many of the entries contain only basic information and
will be updated in due course. The information in
the catalogue, however, reflects the latest academic
scholarship on the subject.
Our aim is to keep this catalogue updated on a
regular basis. We welcome contributions from researchers who
would like to present further information on any of the
objects or materials in the collection.
Thomas Kiely, curator, Department of Greece
and Rome
December 2008
For more information about the catalogue or
collection please contact greekandroman@britishmuseum.org