Cyprus: One of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles
long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian
coast. It was the "Chittim" of the Old Testament
(Numbers 24:24) The Greek
colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the
henna
(See CAMPHIRE)
which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by
Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks;
and became a Roman province B.C. 58 In ancient times it was a centre
of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced
here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in
mineral wealth. It is first mentioned in the New Testament
(Acts 4:36)
as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul's first
missionary labours
(Acts 13:4-13) when he and Barnabas and John Mark
were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by
Barnabas and Mark alone
(Acts 15:39) Mnason, an "old disciple,"
probably one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this
island, is mentioned
(Acts 21:16) It is also mentioned in connection
with the voyages of Paul
(Acts 21:3; 27:4) After being under the Turks
for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in
1878
