Heads of State of Cyprus

Ancient Period

The island of Cyprus has a rich history dating back to ancient times. During this period, the island was divided into several kingdoms.

### Kingdom of Salamis

* **Teucro** (mythological): Although not historically confirmed, Teucro is mentioned in mythology as one of the earliest rulers of Salamis.
* **Euelthon** (560–525 BC): Euelthon was a king of Salamis who ruled from 560 to 525 BC.
* **Gorgos** (500/499–494 BC): Gorgos succeeded Euelthon and ruled until the Ionian Uprising in 494 BC.
* **Euagoras I** (411–374/3 BC): Euagoras I was a powerful king of Salamis who ruled from 411 to 374 BC. He was known for his diplomatic skills and military prowess.
* **Nicocles** (374–368 BC): Nicocles succeeded Euagoras I and ruled until 368 BC.
* **Euagoras II** (368–351 BC): Euagoras II, son of Nicocles, ruled from 368 to 351 BC.
* **Pnytagoras** (351–332 BC): Pnytagoras was a king of Salamis who ruled during the time of Alexander the Great.

### Kingdom of Soloi

* **Erêsu of Sili/u**: Erêsu is mentioned on the prism of Asarhaddon as a king of Soloi.
* **Onesilos** (son of Chersis and Philokypros): Onesilos was a king of Soloi who ruled during the time of Alexander the Great.
* **Pasicrates/Stasicrates**: Pasicrates is mentioned on some sources as a king of Soloi, but his existence is not universally confirmed.

### Kingdom of Lapithos

* **Praxippos** (312 BC): Praxippos was a king of Lapithos who ruled until he was subjected by Ptolemy I of Egypt in 312 BC.

### Kingdom of Kition

* **Pitagura of Kitrusi**: Pitagura is mentioned on the prism of Asarhaddon as a king of Kition.
* **Mikyaton**: Mikyaton is another ruler of Kition, but his exact dates are unknown.

### Kingdom of Paphos

* **Kinyras** (at the time of the Trojan War): Kinyras is mentioned in mythology as a king of Paphos during the time of the Trojan War.
* **Tuandâr of Pâppa**: Tuandâr is mentioned on the prism of Asarhaddon as a king of Paphos.

Hellenistic Period

In 315 BC, Nicocreon, with the support of Pharaoh Ptolemy I, subjected the other cities of the island and was crowned sole ruler. Cyprus then joined Ptolemaic Egypt and was entrusted to military governors (strategoi).

### Kingdom of Cyprus (315-311 BC)

* **Nicocreonte** (315–311 BC): Nicocreonte ruled as a vassal king under Ptolemy I.

### Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt

In 311 BC, Cyprus joined Ptolemaic Egypt and was entrusted to military governors (strategoi).

* **Menelaus** (311–301 BC): Menelaus was one of the first strategoi of Cyprus.
* **Demetrius I Poliorcete** (301–294 BC): Demetrius I, king of Macedonia, ruled over Cyprus as a vassal of Ptolemy I.