Cyprus (theme)

Cyprus (Κύπρος, Kýpros) or the Theme of Cyprus (θέμα Κύπρου, théma Kýprou) was a Byzantine province located in the island of Cyprus, established in 965 after the reconquest of Cyprus by the Byzantine navy. Prior to this the island had been a Byzantine-Arab condominium for three centuries, except occasional short periods where it was occupied by either power. Important cities on the island at this time included Nicosia, Limassol, and Famagusta.

Rebellions by the theme governors Theophilos Erotikos in 1042 and Rhapsomates in 1091 failed, quickly subdued by imperial forces.

Proclaiming himself "emperor", Isaac Komnenos established control over the island in 1185. However, storms plaguing the Third Crusade wrecked two ships of Richard I of England's fleet off Cyprus in 1187. A third—carrying his sister Joan and betrothed Berengaria—reached the port of Limassol but Isaac's known hostility to all "Franks" meant it sat at anchor in the harbor, Joan fearing that coming ashore would mean capture and being held for ransom. Richard's ships arrived a week later on May 8th and, outraged at the women's conditions and treatment, he invaded the island. He laid siege to Nicosia, defeated Isaac at Tremetousia, and became ruler of the island but sold it to the Knights Templar in 1191 to fund his debts and further action in the Crusade.