Greek Rebellion Research Paper

Cyprus has seen many invaders and rulers come and go over the years including the Roman empire. Before the arrival of Rome the Island was under the control of Egypt around the time of Queen Cleopatra. Much bargaining was done between her, Mark Antony and Caesar himself as she attempted to hold onto what was left of her empire. In fact Cyprus was temporarily passed over to Cleopatra first by Julius Caesar and then later by Mark Antony only to revert to Roman control in 30 BC as a senatorial province. The events leading up to this time have been well documented and most readers will be aware of some of what went on between this passionate power crazed love triangle. It looked like the Romans where here to stay but for them at least the saying "all good things come to an end" was eventually to ring true. Empires rise only to fall so the Romans were not destined to remain in Cyprus for ever and although they left a lasting legacy on the Island it is Greek culture that has survived the test of time.

At this time the Jews inspired by a belief that the coming of their Messiah was imminent started a revolt against Rome on the Island. They were led by a man called Atermion a Jew who had taken a Greek name as was the custom at the time. There were hardly any Roman troops stationed in Cyprus at this time which explains why the revolt grew so quickly. The Roman emporer Trajan dispatched one of his generals to the Island and the rebellion was quelled. Historians say that 24Feature Articles,000 Jews were massacred on the Island by this roman army but there is a likelyhood that the actual numbers were significantly less. Following the revolt a decree was issued that Rome would forbid any Jew to ever set foot in Cyprus ever again even if