This volume attempts to present a comprehensive account of the
historical developments in Cyprus during the period of the production of
White Slip Wares (ca 1580-1180 BC). Using the Kitchen chronology for the
Egyptian New Kingdom, which commenced in 1540 BC, the study emphasizes
the importance of archaeological records and how context analysis allows
more precision in a relative chronology. This period witnessed the
emergence of Cyprus into the political and economic interaction of the
East Mediterranean. With special focus on White Slip pottery, the
historical events outlined herein demonstrate the growth of Cyprus into
a vibrant, independent society from the early 16th century BC into the
12th century BC. Throughout this period, Cyprus developed trade,
cultural as well as "diplomatic" relations with the most powerful
kingdoms of the surrounding area. A focal point of the study is the role
of Cypriot wares - especially White Slip, Base-ring and Red Lustrous
Wheel-made - on the island itself as well as in other places. A major
role is given to White Slip as it is considered a chronological beacon
in the analysis of events during the Late Bronze Age, a time when there
are few historical references to the island and its people. Comprising
eight chapters, this comprehensive analysis of Cyprus's material culture
is accompanied by a historical account in which the period in Cyprus
from 1580-1180 BC is divided into seven chronological periods based on
Astrom's original chronology. The comprehensive historical discussion in
Chapter VII seeks to depict the interactions between Cyprus and the
surrounding cultures during this period. The interpretation of the
evidence shows that the island's leaders were skilful in achieving a
balance between the interests of these various civilizations, which
included the Minoan and Mycenaean from the Aegean, the Canaanite groups,
the Hittite Empire, and of course the Egyptians. The evidence shows that
independent Late Bronze Age Cyprus established extensive trade and
diplomatic links with these societies - notwithstanding the various
conflicts among them. The Cypriots managed this within the complex and
changing interrelationships between the empires during these very
turbulent times. In so doing, Late Bronze Age Cyprus managed to develop
the creative skills of its people - this especially reflected in the
wide range of its ceramic wares (such as White Slip) as well as their
extensive production and distribution to many lands.
