Cyprus between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages (ca.600–800): An Island in Transition, by Luca Zavagno
Tassos Papacostas
Luca Zavagno’s monograph on early medieval Cyprus develops ideas and views that have long been present persistent in the relevant literature but were never articulated such a thorough manner. These pertain to fate of island after prosperous late antique period, when types evidence routinely employed by historians archaeologists become far less forthcoming—while changing conditions Mediterranean, with advent Islam, introduced set new parameters. The author challenges traditional view sudden catastrophic collapse island’s economy thriving urban culture as result mid-seventh-century Arab raids. Instead, he argues for continuity through an age during which was transformed into ‘middle ground’ between Byzantine Empire Caliphate. This is no trivial matter, what happened crucial our understanding transformations Mediterranean world it moved away from well-studied ancient Roman fragmented set-up. At same time, shifts focus typical concerns Cyprus, who tended concentrate small number issues, including division taxes Caliphate, transplantation population Sea Marmara authorities towards close seventh century, role church shaping society loyalties beyond shores.
The English Historical Review|Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)