Cypriot Bronzework in the Levantine World

Conservatism, Innovation and Social Change

Abstract

The present paper represents and attempt to consider one aspect of Cypriot Bronze Age material culture within a socio-economic perspective, rather than from the more traditional typological standpoint. The range of metal weapons found on Cyprus during the Early and Middle Cypriot periods is discussed, and suggestions made about possible reasons for the patterns observed. A comparison is then made with metal weapons from neighboring regions, showing that the relationship between the weapons found on Cyprus and elsewhere is complex and changes over time. Some possible explanations for these patterns are then considered.