Kingdom of Cyprus
The Kingdom of Cyprus was a medieval state that existed from 1192 to 1489. It was established after the Crusades when the island was granted to Guy of Lusignan by Richard the Lionheart. The kingdom became a significant center for trade and culture in the eastern Mediterranean, influenced by various cultures, including Byzantine, Frankish, and Venetian.
Throughout its history, the kingdom faced challenges from neighboring powers, including the Mamluks and the Ottomans. In 1489, the last queen, Catherine Cornaro, ceded the island to the Republic of Venice, marking the end of the kingdom's independence. The legacy of the Kingdom of Cyprus continues to influence the island's history and culture today.