Kyrenia
Kyrenia is a town located on the northern coast of the island of Cyprus.
History
Founding
Cepheus from Arcadia was believed to be the founder 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 named 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 BCE). Moreover, many Mycenaean, Geometric and Achaean tombs (dating from 1300 - 500s BCE) 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 was also Kantara Castle, where Moloch "the Bull" resided, Buffavento Castle, a prison where the Dark Oracle was detained, and Saint Hilarion Castle, the residence of the twin sons of Moloch, Shalim and Shahar.
In 1191, Kyrenia was held 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 kept most people indoors in several of the towns; as such, few people wandered around on the island and Templars roamed around every corner.
Reference
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