Kyrenia

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Kyrenia was a city located on the island of Cyprus.

History

Founding

Cepheus from Arcadia was believed to be the founder of the town of Kyrenia. A military leader, he arrived at the northern coast of the island, bringing with him many settlers from various towns in Achaea. One such town, located near present-day Aigio in the Peloponnese, was also called Kyrenia. Kyrenia dates to the end of the Trojan War, but evidence from archaeological sites excavated in and around Kyrenia gave testament to settlements present since the Neolithic period, 5800-3000 BC. Moreover, many Mycenaean, Geometric and Achaean tombs (dating from 1300-500s BC) have also been discovered. A fine climate, fertile soil and an abundance of water offered ideal conditions for the town's early settlement.

Third Crusade

During the Third Crusade, there were five districts in Kyrenia; the Harbor, the Commons district, the Merchant district, the Crusader Outpost, and the Market. There is also Kantara Castle, where Moloch "the Bull" resides, Buffavento Castle, a prison where the Dark Oracle is detained, and Saint Hilarion Castle, the residence of the twin sons of Moloch, Shalim and Shahar.

In 1191, Kyrenia was under the control of the Templar Order, who ruled the populace with an iron fist. The supreme ruler of Cyprus (cities of Kyrenia and Limassol) was Armand Bouchart, Grand Master of the Knights Templar. A constant fear of being harassed or killed by the Templars in several of the towns kept most people indoors. Few people wandered around on the island and Templars roamed around every corner.