The Conquering of Cyprus

King Richard I captured Cyprus in May of 1191 on his way to the Holy Land. A storm had separated the fleet and a few of his ships ran aground on Cyprus. The men were arrested and imprisoned by the local lord. When King Richard I arrived he freed his men and secured the Island.

The island was sold in 1192 to Guy of Lusignan, whose brother and successor Aimery of Lusignan established the Kingdom of Cyprus. The island stayed in Crusader hands for nearly 300 years until 1489, when the widow of the last Lusignan King, James II, turned it over to the Venetians.

Cyprus proved to be of great strategic importance. It served as a staging post and supply station for the Crusaders throughout the campaigns.