The History of Cyprus Podcast

cyprusthepodcast

Welcome to The History of Cyprus Podcast -- a monthly series exploring the island’s past from 10,000 BCE to the 20th century. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading scholars in archaeology, linguistics, political and social history, bringing academic insight to a wide audience. Together, we uncover the languages, cultures, conflicts, and legacies that shaped one of the Mediterranean’s most storied crossroads. Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or just curious about Cyprus, this podcast offers something for everyone -- rooted in research, driven by storytelling. If you’d like to reach me, my name is Andreas. Please feel free to send me an email at cyprusthepodcast@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow The History of Cyprus Podcast Instagram and support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast https://instagram.com/thehistoryofcyprus *The podcast image, ”Dressed for the Gods” (250BC) is from the British Museum taken by William Warby. Check out more of his work at flickr.com/photos/wwarby/

  1. JAN 20

    *NOMINATE!* The History of Cyprus Podcast Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 Submission

    I'd like to take a moment to thank listener and patron H.I. along with many others on Patreon for nominating The History of Cyprus Podcast for the 2026 CYDIA Awards in "Culture & Arts" and "Education." As of two weeks ago, I wasn't aware of CYDIA until H.I. sent me a private message informing me of the event which now entering its third year. But the History of Cyprus Podcast still needs your help!  *** https://www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com/nominate *** What is CYDIA? CYDIA "serves as a launchpad for startups, giving them the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to investors" and "recogni[zing] the contribution of the diaspora... accelerat[ing' opportunities for entrepreneurship, cross-border investment, and international partnerships." There are a number of categories including Education, Finance & Health to name but a few. From what I understand, this nomination is unofficial (i.e., The History of Cyprus Podcast has NOT been officially nominated). Once nominees are officially announced, they’re voted on, and a winner is chosen for each category. The more nominations The History of Cyprus Podcast gets, the more likely it is to be shortlisted! Why support? Being nominated for the CYDIA Award for Culture would be a major milestone for the History of Cyprus podcast. It represents a chance to bring Cypriot history to a wider audience, amplify stories that are often overlooked, and place Cyprus more firmly in the global conversation about culture and heritage. So, if you're able to, I'd love to receive your support. *** https://www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com/nominate *** Below is some of the information you'll need. The due date for any nominations is March. If you're looking for any additional information, please message me. The History of Cyprus Podcast Andreas Charalambous Toronto, Canada Phone No: 111-1111 cyprusthepodcast@gmail.com

    1 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    Primary Source XLVI: The Acritic Songs

    The Acritic Songs are a collection of Byzantine folk songs whose origins date back to the 9th-11th centuries. These songs celebrate the exploits of the "Acritae," or the frontiersmen, who patrolled the empire's periphery, protecting it from Saracen (Arab) marauders. Though we don't know the exact contexts in which these songs were performed, we know that they appealed to the bottom rungs of society, the disenfranchised and the down-trodden, as the songs were adopted and adapted all over the Greek speaking world -- including, of course, Cyprus. These songs were passed down in oral tradition and adapted linguistically in Cyprus in a way that reflected its own social and political realities. The stories themselves generally fell into two categories: those that celebrate royal authority and look towards God or the State as a source of comfort and protection (ca. 9th-12th centuries) and those which celebrate the hero fighting authority and resisting the cosmic order which is dated after the 13th century (see: Charopalema i.e., Digenis' battle with Death). For this particular song, as interpreted and performed by Michalis Christodoulides Costas Charalambides and Areti Kasapi (and can be purchased here)*, we hear an excerpt from "Ο Κάουρας" (i.e., The Crab). In the song, a giant, monstrous crab chokes the waters of a village/town, terrorizing the community. One of the most notable Acritic heroes, Digenis Akritas, is called upon to defend the people from its terror. The story of the Giant Crab evokes Herculean themes. Those familiar with Greek mythology might identify Digenis's battle with Hercules fighting Karkinos that came to assist the Lernean Hydra. Next month, I welcome back Dr. Chrysovalanti Kyriacou to discuss the Acrites and the Byzantine Warrior Hero! The Acritic Songs on YouTube *Στες Άκρες Των Άκρων - Ακριτικά Τραγούδια Της Κύπρου: Μιχάλης Χριστοδουλίδης, Αρετή Κασάπη, Κώστας Χαραλαμπίδης **Artwork by Dimitris Skourtelis

    2 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to The History of Cyprus Podcast -- a monthly series exploring the island’s past from 10,000 BCE to the 20th century. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading scholars in archaeology, linguistics, political and social history, bringing academic insight to a wide audience. Together, we uncover the languages, cultures, conflicts, and legacies that shaped one of the Mediterranean’s most storied crossroads. Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or just curious about Cyprus, this podcast offers something for everyone -- rooted in research, driven by storytelling. If you’d like to reach me, my name is Andreas. Please feel free to send me an email at cyprusthepodcast@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow The History of Cyprus Podcast Instagram and support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryofCyprusPodcast https://instagram.com/thehistoryofcyprus *The podcast image, ”Dressed for the Gods” (250BC) is from the British Museum taken by William Warby. Check out more of his work at flickr.com/photos/wwarby/

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