Was Famagusta Ever the Capital of Cyprus?

Famagusta has a rich and complex history, with significant periods as a prominent port and cultural center. However, it never served as the capital of the modern Republic of Cyprus, a status it never achieved despite its considerable importance throughout much of Cyprus's past.

Evidence of Ancient Prosperity

The historical significance of Famagusta begins as early as the 13th Century BC, when it emerged as a crucial trade hub. Copper, highly valuable for the production of bronze, was among the key commodities exported from this region. Famagusta also exported pottery, lumber, and later, wine, contributing to its economic growth and global reach. The city's trade prowess is evident in the discovery of White Slip pottery in Israel, indicating Famagusta's extensive trade networks.

Period of Persian Control and Independence

During the 5th Century BC, Famagusta, known as Salamis, gained independence from the Persian Empire following the Peace of Antalcidas. This period marked the emergence of Salamis as a prominent Greek cultural center, driven by King Euagoras who orchestrated the revolution. These historical actions make Salamis a significant site of Greek governance and cultural development.

Euagoras: Orchestrator of Revolution

Salamis' prominence can be attributed in large part to its king, Euagoras, who played a pivotal role in the city's liberation from Persian control. The Golden coin depicting Euagoras provides a testament to his rule and influence in the region.

Conquest and Capital Shift

Following the Romans' conquest of the region in 58 BC, control over Cyprus changed hands several times before it was eventually assimilated into the Roman provinces. During the Roman era, the importance of Salamis waned, and the capital was moved to Paphos, which became both the cultural and political center of the island. Despite this shift, Salamis continued to thrive as a major trade center and experienced further development, including new constructions such as mosaics, theatres, and a market, powered by a vital aqueduct from Kythrea.

Impact of the Jewish Uprising

The city faced a significant setback during the Jewish uprising in the region, but it remained a major trade center, crucial for its economic and cultural vitality.

Mid-century Downturn and Renaissance

The city faced devastation during the 4th Century AD after several earthquakes. It was subsequently rebuilt under the patronage of Constantius II, who renamed the city to Constantia. This period of reconstruction was short-lived as Famagusta faced further destruction during Arab incursions in the 7th Century AD and was subsequently abandoned. The inhabitants moved to Arsinoe, now known as Famagusta.

Role During the Ottoman and Venetian Periods

Despite near destruction, Famagusta's strategic and economic importance remained. It continued to play a vital role during the Ottoman and Venetian eras. Even before the Turkish-Cypriot conflict in 1974, Famagusta was a larger and more economically significant city compared to the current capital, Nicosia, due to its hosting the sole major port in the island. In 1967, an aerial photo of the port of Famagusta clearly illustrates its prominence.

Key Factors for Non-Capital Status

The primary reason Famagusta never became the capital of Cyprus was due to the colonial administration established by the British in the late 19th Century. When the British took control of Cyprus in 1878, they set up their administration in Nicosia, thus establishing the city as the colonial capital.

The strategic and economic importance of Famagusta, though remarkable, was overshadowed by the administrative decisions made by the British, leading to its lack of capital status in modern history.