The Cypro-Anatolian connections in the late Bronze Age

Abstract

The relations between Anatolia and C3^rus in the Late Bronze Age have been neglected in contrast to the growing interest in the Eastern Mediterranean trade. The main goal of this thesis is to bring this subject to light. These relations were attested in the Hittite sources for two centuries (ca. 1400- 1200 B.C.) and in Ugaritic sources in the 13th century B.C. Within this historical framework the connections are reviewed in different perspectives. Correlations between the historical sources and the archaeological evidence are proposed. In this period, friendly relations existed, wliich were implied in the written texts until the time shortly before the collapse of the Hittite Empire. From the 15th until the 13th centuries White Slip and Base Ring wares were exported to Cilicia, whereas in the 13th century the Red Lustrous Wheelmade Ware was transported to the Hittite capital thiough the Göksu Valley. The new ceramic distribution pattern in the 13th century shows the increase of the Hittites’ interest in overseas activities. Besides, this was the time when the Hittite capital was moved to the land of Tarhuntassa. At the end of the 13th century B.C. with the military intervention of Hittites, Cyprus came under the control of the Hittite Empire. This was demonstrated in the archaeological record by the Hittite small finds in Cyprus. In this preliminary study I have also touched upon the geophysical features of southern Anatolia and Cyprus, the distribution of the Late Bronze Age sites in both places, the climatic factors and conditions, which play a very important role in the ancient navigation and the physical layout of the coastlines. Conclusively, a synthesis of these various factors are put forward.