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Sale of Cyprus to the Lusignan Family
In 1192 England's Richard I sold Cyprus to the deposed former King of Jerusalem Guy de Lusignan, after conquering the island in 1189–1191;…
Timeline
- 1191Limassol · CyprusRichard I, storm-driven while en route to the Levant, landed on Cyprus, defeated and imprisoned the self-proclaimed emperor Isaac Komnenos, and brought the entire island under his control.
- 1192Cyprus · CyprusRichard sold Cyprus to Guy de Lusignan to raise military funds and provide for an ally. Guy paid a large ransom (traditionally said to be about 40,000 Byzantine gold coins) and gained rule over the island.
- 1192–1194Nicosia · CyprusGuy was crowned on Cyprus, establishing the Lusignan dynasty. The kingdom provided the Crusaders with supplies and refuge, and developed sugar and trade, becoming an important Latin Christian polity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Sources
- A History of Cyprus, Volume 1: The Frankish Period, 1192–1432 — George Hill (1948)
- Richard the Lionheart — John Gillingham (1999)