The Island of Cyprus was known by many names depending on the writer and the century in which the information was recorded. Kryptos, Akamantis, Aspelia, and Kition just to name a few provide only a small excerpt from the etymology and multiple concepts forming a chain tied together piece by piece. Each portion remains stronger than the metal of the words from which they were forged with the divine purpose to outlast many lifetimes. Onorios and Isodoros claim the name of a Northern town of Kypros was the root for the ultimate story; although no evidence has yet to be unearthed that the city ever existed.
Whether it was adjectives, the likes of Iera Nisos (based on the many saints) or envinos (for the variety of wines) or even dasoessa (from the forests) and eveleos (deriving from the many olive trees and the oil itself) all live on forever. Each intricate description was hurled forward from many centuries past like a mighty spear of knowledge penetrating oblivion and speculation to land purposely into the heart of our Island’s history and heritage. Each unmistakable shade launched by distant ancestors and guided by their future generations together provides a glimpse eternal set to canvass in the hearts and minds of the people today. Stories as bold as the powerful heroes of the Trojan War themselves whose brave deeds were responsible for founding many of the ancient cities.
When it comes to the love I have for our home, it would be remiss of me to fail and mention that eroron (literally – the island of love) and Afrodisia (the Island of Aphrodite) have confirmed that love indeed originated from the island. Words of pride for their work, asselia (for the fishing activity) and Kypris the name Homer and other ancient writers used for Aphrodite are all pieces of the puzzle behind the name. Some historians feel the native shrub kypros may have been closely related to the final naming of the island recognized as perikallis (beautiful).