6. Multiculturalism and the Medieval Period: Frankish Cyprus with Nicholas Coureas

In 1191, Richard the Lionheart conquered Cyprus from the illegitimate despot, Isaac Komnenos, setting in motion several hundred years of Western rule and influence. The Medieval Period is, perhaps, one of the richest and conspicuous on the island – after all, the island’s landscape is dotted with castles, medieval fortifications and beautiful cathedrals. And so, to explore these political events and cultural changes, I interview Medieval historian, Professor Nicholas Coureas from the University of Cyprus. We discuss Cyprus’ transition as a province in Byzantium, into a truly independent Medieval State in the eastern Mediterranean that was, surprisingly, quite multicultural and multilingual.