Cyprus -- an island that has always been a victim of external realpolitic. It still remains so today. The history of Cyprus is one of the oldest recorded in the world. From the earliest times Cyprus' historical significance far outweighed its small size. Its strategic position at the crossroads of three continents, as well as its considerable supplies of copper, other precious metals, and timber combines to make it a highly desirable territorial acquisition.
Lots of interesting material, although towards the end it gets bogged down in interminable diplomacy at the expense of social or cultural developments. Veers towards a Greek Cypriot bias but not outrageously so. Sometimes skips forwards and backwards chronologically without obvious cause, and while the tone is mostly considered there are a few intemperate outbursts.