It appears that the name Kypros, used by the Greeks in the times of Homer, was later disseminated to the neighbouring peoples. However, it was neither the first nor the only name given to the island. In the Egyptian monuments of Tuthmosis III (1500 B.C.), Cyprus is referred to as Asebi or Jsj. In the resolution of Kanopos (238 B.C.) it is known as Sbjn while the clay tablets of Tel El Amarna propose the name Alasia. But the Greek name Kypros appears both in the Iliad and the Odyssey. Kypris is also another adjective for Goddess Aphrodite. The most ancient inscription bearing the name Kypros dates to 459 B.C. Several ancient first names also seem to be associated with the name Kypros, such as Aristokypros, Aristokypra, Themistokypra, Kypragoras, Kyprothemis, Kyprokranis, Onasikypros, Pasikypros, Stasikypros, Timokypros, Philokypros, etc.

In the Hellenistic Period the arts flourish, as witnessed by such diverse specimens as amphorae, sculptures, inscriptions, etc. The Greek religion, namely the worship of the Twelve Olympians also thrives, with the erection of sanctuaries all around the island, the largest ones being those of Goddess Aphrodite in Pafos (Kouklia) and in Amathounta but also of Apollo in Kourion. In the same period, philosopher Zeno of Citium founds the famed Stoic school in Athens. Then follows the Roman Period, from 58 B.C. to 330 A.D. Apostles Paul and Barnabas visit Pafos where they succeed in converting the Roman Proconsul Sergius Paulus to Christianity, making Cyprus the first island to come under Christian leadership. In the Byzantine Period, after the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus becomes a district of the eastern part, Byzantium, whose capital is Constantinople. This period is followed by the Frankish, Venetian, Ottoman and British rule, the liberation struggle of 1955-1959 and the declaration of Independence in 1960. In 1878, the Ottoman Empire abandons the island and cedes its administration to Britain.

European culture and civilization have evidently permeated the various aspects of Cypriot art. Cyprus’ deeply rooted links with Europe, as a result of the presence on the island of European peoples (Venetians, Franks, Normans, British) and the strong influence of European culture, have been depicted in the arts and cultural development in general. “The innate form-shaping skills of Cypriots have been known since antiquity. A remarkable civilisation has flourished on the island since the Neolithic Period, as witnessed by magnificent specimens in all forms of art, in particular architecture, sculpture, pottery, metallurgy and mosaics. This civilisation, which developed in parallel with that of other Greek regions, follows its own distinctive path, forged through ongoing contacts with the art of neighbouring peoples. At the crossroads of peoples and cultures, the art legacy of ancient Cyprus consists of the free and creative composition of elements from both the eastern and western civilisations. According to Art historian and academic, Chrysanthos Christou, Cypriot art combines the transcendentalism, atectonic character, decorative will and external multiplicity of the art of eastern civilisations with the rationalism, organic fullness, logical safety, strict adherence to form, central unity and external simplicity of the ancient Greek world.

Following the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans in 1571, the new rulers showed no interest in the education of Cypriots, nor have they left – during their three centuries of rule – any artistic or spiritual work. On the contrary, several older monuments of great value were left to ruin due to lack of care. Moreover, the prohibition imposed by the Muslim religion to depict individuals hindered the revival of the human-centered painting tradition of Greek antiquity, in the example of the West, and was yet another drawback for the dissemination of the ideals of Renaissance art on the island.

As far as we are in a position to know, these historical circumstances, together with the isolation of the island, limited artistic expression to the continuation of Byzantine and folklore art, which has portrayed certain common esthetic values, with beautiful specimens in wood-sculpture, weaving, embroidery and pottery. Both of these forms of art are, however, conservative by nature, usually limited to the reproduction of traditional themes and forms.

In 1878, the Ottoman Empire cedes Cyprus to Great Britain. Under British colonial rule, the people of Cyprus held high hopes of improving their living conditions and standard of education. It is a fact that improvement is noted in all areas. The first cultural awakening is observed before and, in particular, immediately after the First World War, although it is rooted in the last two decades of the 19^th century. Shortly after the arrival of the British, we have the first newspapers, followed by the first publications of literary books and periodicals.

The introduction of Cyprus Television in 1957 was a turning point in the development of television and cinema. After being renamed as the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, Cyprus television began to rapidly develop. Programmes increased, services were staffed and transmitters and relay stations were renewed. Broadcasting hours continued to increase and in December 1982 black-and-white was replaced by colour broadcasting. After CyBC, new private television stations emerged, promoting artistic creation and healthy competition. The film industry in Cyprus began to develop in the 90s and has since been following its own successful path.