Inventing the Eteocypriots: imperialist archaeology and the manipulation of ethnic identity

Given, M. (1998) Inventing the Eteocypriots: imperialist archaeology and the manipulation of ethnic identity. Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology, 11(1), pp. 3-29. (doi: 10.1558/jmea.v11i1.3)

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Abstract

For 60 years the 'Eteocypriots' have been seen as the Iron Age survivors of the indigenous population of Cyprus. In the 1930s, however, when the Eteocypriots first appeared in the literature, the British colonial rulers of Cyprus were exploiting ancient history and archaeology to combat Greek nationalism. This article investigates the ideology and mechanisms of imperialist archaeology, examines the textural and artefactual material used to 'invent' the Eteocypriots, and demonstrates that there is no secure archaeological or historical evidence for their existence. By encouraging the creation of an 'authentically' Cypriot ethnic group which pre-dated the Greeks, the British colonial regime denied the Hellenic character of ancient and modern Cyprus.

Item Type:Articles (Other)
Keywords:Cyprus, history of archaeology, Eteocypriots, British colonialism.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Given, Dr Michael
Authors: Given, M.
Subjects:D History General and Old World > DE The Mediterranean Region. The Greco-Roman World
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology
Publisher:Equinox Publishing
ISSN:0952-7648

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