Paphos Travel Guide - History

Historians have documented that there have been settlements on Paphos since the Neolithic age and the island has been at the centre of the Aphrodite myth since the 12th century BC. The Temple of Aphrodite was once one of the most spectacular on the continent and since its building, the town has been a focal point for many groups of people including Alexander the Great.

Under Greek control, Paphos enjoyed independence and wealth. It was a prosperous time and saw Paphos become the capital of Cyprus. Unfortunately however, Greek rule was short-lived as the Romans soon gained control over the Mediterranean and conquered Paphos in 58 BC.

As the Roman Empire weakened, Arab intruders often pillaged Paphos until the town was freed by the Byzantines. Under these new rulers, the capital of Cyprus was moved from Paphos to Salamis. The Byzantines kept control for just under 700 years until Richard the Lion Heart and the knights of the Third Crusade conquered the town in 1191.

The Crusaders only stayed for one short year, leaving the town to the Venetians, who had control from 1489 to 1571. Later the Turks, who ruled from 1571 to 1878, and the British, who controlled the island from 1878 to 1960, took power. Paphos was in a state of decline over these years and by the time it gained independence from Britain, it was little more than a small fishing community.

Luckily, Paphos benefited greatly from the Turkish invasion as the town’s former popular resorts were redeveloped allowing the town to once again thrive and benefit from tourist money. Today, it is a very popular destination and sees thousands of tourists descend on its shores every year.