Best Cypriot Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 9 - Gerd Müller: Breaking goal scoring records and making awful pop records 12:29

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1d ago12:29

12:29

A playful parallel between Elvis Presley and Gerd Müller — two men told they’d never make it, who went on to define their fields. In 1969–70 Müller shattered scoring records and, with less success, tried his hand at pop music, releasing gloriously awkward tunes. Tone-deaf behind the mic but unstoppable in front of goal, “Der Bomber” proved that leg…

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NEW! Primary Source XLIV: From the Pen of Stefano Lusignan 1:36

5d ago1:36

1:36

Stefano Lusignan (also known as Étienne de Lusignan) was a member of the Lusignan family, which ruled over Cyprus during the medieval period. He is known for his historical works, particularly his chronicles that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Cyprus during his time. Though writing at the tail end of the Venetian Period, …

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NEW! Ancient Scripts, City-States, and Hidden Museum Treasures: A Huge Year Ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast 3:04

10d ago3:04

3:04

Big things are coming! I’m sharing some exciting updates about what’s ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast — including new episodes on the Cypro-Minoan script, ancient Cypriot city-states, and even a chat with The Met Museum curators on the grand reopening of the Cesnola Collection.By cyprusthepodcast

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Ep. 8 - Resigned, Sacked, Survived: Barcelona’s Coaching Carousel of 1969-70 16:47

15d ago16:47

16:47

The 1969-70 season at FC Barcelona was marked by turmoil, with three presidents, three coaches, and constant Herrera rumors turning Camp Nou into a theatre of crisis. Artigas resigned, Seguer filled in, and Vic Buckingham steadied the side to a fourth-place finish, as boardroom chaos often eclipsed the football.…

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43. Erudites in Exile: The Kigalas Family with Ioannis Kyriakantonakis 59:16

18d ago59:16

59:16

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the Kigalas family, a prominent Cypriot family that played a significant role in the religious and intellectual landscape of the 16th and 17th centuries. My guest, Ioannis Kyriakantonakis, provides an in-depth look at the political and religious dynamics of the Kigalas family. At the heart of o…

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Ep. 7 - Néstor Combin – The Traitor 15:38

29d ago15:38

15:38

Néstor Combin, an Argentine-born striker turned French international, returns to his homeland to play the Intercontinental Cup final with AC Milan. But the match against Estudiantes descends into chaos: brutal violence on the pitch and a shocking arrest for military desertion. In one surreal night in Buenos Aires, football collides with politics, i…

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Primary Source XLIII: From the Pen of Charles Patin 1:29

1M ago1:29

1:29

"The Charites of Cyprus infused him with charm, With the tongue of Homer and the mind of Plato. -A distich from Ioannis Kigalas' portrait Ioannis Kigalas (Greek: Ιωάννης Κιγάλας; Italian: Giovanni Cigala, c. 1622 – c. 5 November 1687) was a Cypriot scholar and professor of Philosophy, Language and Logic at the University of Padua. Along with his br…

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Ep. 6 - Cypriot Teams in the Greek League: A Failed Football Experiment 17:09

1M ago17:09

17:09

From 1967 to 1974, Cypriot football champions were promoted to Greece’s A-Ethniki league as part of a Greek military junta’s plan to foster "Greater Greece" and covertly send soldiers to Cyprus. Teams like Olympiacos Levkhosia and AEL Limassol faced relegation and heavy defeats, highlighting the competitive gap. Political tensions and fan frustrati…

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42. Castrum Cyprium: Crusader Castles of Cyprus with James Petre 49:36

2M ago49:36

49:36

Cyprus' landscape is dotted with castles -- most famously by those nestled on the Kyrenia mountain range -- many which predate the Lusignan Period. First built by the Byzantines to protect Cyprus' northern coast, these castles would become fortified and expanded by the Franks. But Western sources circa twelfth and thirteenth centuries speak of cast…

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Ep. 5 - AlpenCup, a forgotten Tournament 17:50

2M ago17:50

17:50

The AlpenCup, a now-forgotten football tournament that once played an important role—not only from a sporting perspective, but also in giving the Italian diaspora in Central Europe the chance to see their teams up close.

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Primary Source XLII: Roger of Howden 1:23

2M ago1:23

1:23

Our primary source this month comes from the 12th century English chronicler, Roger of Hoveden (Howden). This excerpt was chosen as it references a number of castles that dotted the Cypriot landscape during Richard the Lionheart's campaign. You'll hear him refer to Buffavent (Buffavento), Kantara, Dieu D'Amour (a possible corruption of the Greek na…

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Ep. 4 - The Copa del Generalisimo and its discontents 7:14

2M ago7:14

7:14

The story of the 1969–70 Copa del Generalísimo, culminating in Real Madrid’s triumph, was marked by two fiercely contested semifinal clashes against Barcelona — but that was only part of the drama.

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BONUS EPISODE! Myths & Legends: Cyprus in Mythology with Christian Körner 35:34

2M ago35:34

35:34

In this bonus episode, Dr. Christian Körner takes us into the world of Iron Age Cyprus and its city-kingdoms, exploring the foundation myths that shaped their identities. With legendary figures like Pygmalion, who fashioned a statue that came to life; Myrrha, the tragic mother of Adonis; and Teucer, the exiled half-brother of Ajax who is said to ha…

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41. The Emperor of Flocks & Camels? The Calocaerus Revolt with Maria Castello 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

Calocaerus (Greek: Καλόκαιρος; d. 334 AD) was a Roman usurper who led a short-lived revolt against Emperor Constantine I in Cyprus. Appointed in 330 AD as Magister pecoris camelorum ("Master of the Flock and Camels"), a position with uncertain significance, Calocaerus proclaimed himself emperor in 334 AD. His rebellion, however, was swiftly suppres…

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Ep. 3 - Hertha's nine, Dortmund's nightmare 9:48

3M ago9:48

9:48

On a September afternoon in 1970, Hertha Berlin delivered one of the most stunning performances in Bundesliga history, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 9-1 at the Olympiastadion. More than just a scoreline, it was a moment that echoed through German football history.

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Primary Source XLI: An Excerpt from Aurelius Victor 1:35

3M ago1:35

1:35

The Calocaerus Revolt (334 CE) was an uprising led by a certain Calocaerus, the Magister Pecoris Camelorum (Master of the Flock and Camels) in Cyprus, who declared himself emperor. The revolt was short lived and ruthlessly suppressed in the same year by Flavius Dalmatius, half brother to Emperor Constantine I. We know of the events from historians …

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Ep. 2 - Best of the Best: George's six-goal FA Cup Masterclass 9:28

3M ago9:28

9:28

On February 7, 1970, George Best scored six goals in Manchester United’s 8-2 FA Cup fifth-round win over Northampton Town. Returning from suspension, Best dominated with headers, precise finishes, and a memorable feint past the goalkeeper. Despite Northampton’s efforts, United’s brilliance shone on a muddy pitch. Brian Kidd added two goals, while B…

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40. From Exploration to Exploitation: The Early History of Cypriot Archaeology with Luca Bombardieri 43:26

4M ago43:26

43:26

The history of archaeology in Cyprus started with a focus on collecting ancient objects, which influenced how archaeology was done on the island into the 1900s. In the 1800s and 1900s, foreign expeditions came to Cyprus to dig up artifacts, but this also led to illegal digging and private collections, both on the island and in the West. My guest th…

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Meet Us on the Dance Floor: Getting to Know Efstathios Steve Pilidis 55:00

4M ago55:00

55:00

Efstathios 'Steve' Pilidis is the Director and Youth Advisor for the Pan Macedonian Youth Dance Group of Philadelphia. Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, former dance instructor for numerous GOYA dance groups as well as active participant with the Macedonians for over 20 years with the goal of preserving Hellenism and the Orthodox fait…

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Catching Up with Bobby Garofalis 54:05

4M ago54:05

54:05

Bobby Garofalis is the Director of the Hellenic Youth Dancers at Saints Constantine and Helen in Newport News, Virginia. With over 35 years of experience in Greek dance, he began as a dancer in 1990 and rose to become choreographer, director, and now lead administrator — overseeing 4–5 active youth and adult groups, including the award-winning trou…

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Ep. 1 - Comunardo Niccolai, the King of own goals 11:06

4M ago11:06

11:06

This is the story of Comunardo Niccolai, a key defender of the legendary Cagliari team that won the Italian championship in 1970. Though a highly skilled and reliable player, Niccolai is best remembered for his spectacular own goals, which became so iconic that his name entered the Italian football lexicon as a symbol of self-inflicted blunders.…

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Welcome to 44 Boots! 1:04

4M ago1:04

1:04

Football is more than a game—it’s a story. And at 44 Boots, we’re here to tell it, season by season. We are a collective of sports writers crafting the comprehensive history of modern European football, in both written and podcast form, starting from the 1969-70 season. Each volume of the written series covers a single season of European football, …

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Primary Source XL: The Travels of Giovanni Mariti 2:03

4M ago2:03

2:03

Giovanni Mariti (1736–1806) was an Italian traveler best known for his detailed accounts of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus, during the 18th century. Born in Florence, Mariti served as an official in the service of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and his travels provided him with firsthand insights into the social, political, and economi…

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39. Brigands & Bandits: Banditry in 19th Century Cyprus with Mehmet Demiryürek 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

The Bouliler brothers are emblematic figures of banditry amidst a backdrop of economic struggle and social change. Hasan Bulli, a Turkish Cypriot from Paphos, became a legendary folk hero in Cyprus in the late 19th century. Often compared to American outlaws like Jesse James, he gained notoriety for his bold actions and was remembered through songs…

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Meet Us on the Dance Floor Getting to Know Andreas Seas 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

Andreas Seas, is the co-director for the Koinonia dance group in Raleigh North Carolina. He was born in Akrotiri, Cyprus, to two dance teachers, and has been active as a dancer, researcher, and community organizer ever since. His goals as a dance instructor are to preserve Hellenic culture and simultaneously spark interest and curiosity in the next…

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Primary Source XXXIX: The Ballad of Hasan Bulli 2:09

5M ago2:09

2:09

Hasan Bulli is a significant figure in the history of Cyprus. A notorious bandit who roamed the island’s rural landscape in the late 19th century, he became something of a folk hero--often compared to Jesse James. His daring deeds and the stories surrounding his gang became the stuff of legend in Cypriot folklore. Turkish Cypriot poet Hafız Cemaled…

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BONUS EPISODE! Surfaces, Surveys & Spatiotemporal Dynamics: The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Project with Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt 48:36

5M ago48:36

48:36

For this bonus episode, I interview Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt from Vrije University in Belgium as they embark on their next season at The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Survey Project (HST-HASP). They use archaeological survey and landscape analysis to reassess spatial organization at Dromolaxia-Vyzakia (13th–12th century BCE Late Bronze Age …

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Figure It – Episode 19: Cypriots are more pro-solution than you think (6/5/2025) 23:13

6M ago23:13

23:13

Cypriots are far more in favour of a federal solution of the Cyprus problem than we might think: yes, even when you get quite specific with the questions. In this episode Sapienta Economics Director, Fiona Mullen, talks to University of Cyprus Professor of Social Development and Psychology, Charis Psaltis, about the survey methodology and why attit…

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Gnosis 2025: Karpathos and Crete 33:41

6M ago33:41

33:41

Harry Koutroumanis and Paul Calzada share about the 2025 Gnosis research trip through the Hellenic Performing Arts Foundation to Karpathos and Crete. Learn a bit about their work, and its connection to the Foundation's mission. For more information visit www.hellenicperformingarts.org or @hellenicperformingarts…

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38. Bones, Burials & Bioarchaeology: Reconstructing the Past with Sherry Fox 1:13:16

6M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

In this interview, we delve into the past with bioarchaeologist, Sherry Fox (Arizona State University), as we explore how bioarchaeologists utilize technology to reconstruct the lives of ancient inhabitants, identify various ailments they suffered and how studying even their teeth can unveil details about their occupations. We'll explore a variety …

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Figure It – Episode 18: US tariffs might hurt Cyprus in unexpected ways (25/4/2025) 25:38

6M ago25:38

25:38

In this episode of Figure It, economic historian Dr Alexander Apostolides of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance talks to Sapienta Economics Director Fiona Mullen about how US tariffs could affect Cyprus in ways that policymakers might not be expecting. He also gives some advice on what policymakers could be doing to ensure resilience in t…

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Primary Source XXXVIII: An Excerpt from Luigi Palma Di Cesnola 1:52

6M ago1:52

1:52

Luigi Palma Di Cesnola is a controversial figure in Cypriot history. Born in Turin in 1832, he served in the First Italian War of Independence and later in the Crimean War. In 1858, he left Italy for the United States where his service in U.S. Civil War earned him distinction. He was later appointed as a consul in Larnaca where he engaged in wide-s…

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A little update...and a small request! 1:43

7M ago1:43

1:43

Hello everyone! Thank you as always for tuning in. I've got a lot of great episodes planned that will take us well into 2026! Have a listen! But I'm also writing to ask for your support. If you enjoy the show or any particular episode, please consider taking some time to leave a review online. Positive reviews help grow the podcast and spread the w…

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37. For King & Country: Cyprus in the Second World War with Marios Siammas 1:32:21

7M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

The impact of the Second World War was far-reaching -- Cyprus included. While initial reactions to the war were muted, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Greece entered the fray, spurring Cypriots to enlist in large numbers to serve King and Country. Much like in World War I, many Cypriots served as muleteers, but this time, direct action was fa…

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Primary Source XXXVII: The Battle of Monte Cassino 1:59

7M ago1:59

1:59

The Battle of Monte Cassino (1944) was a series of Allied assaults on heavily fortified German positions in central Italy, centered around the ancient Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. Capturing Monte Cassino would weaken Germany's grasp in Italy and open the way to Rome. Cypriot muleteers played a pivotal role in overcoming the rugged terrai…

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36. Deus Vult! The Templars in Cyprus with Peter Edbury 43:26

8M ago43:26

43:26

The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order founded in the early 12th century. Originally established to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades, they quickly grew in wealth and influence. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar for 100,000 Syrian bezants.*** This provided the Templ…

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Figure It – Episode 17: Opening up Cyprob imaginations with an interspecies council (18/2/2025) 26:54

8M ago26:54

26:54

In this episode Sapienta Economics Director Fiona Mullen talks to Prof Amanda Perry-Kessaris of Law at Kent Law School to discuss a workshop last November with the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Centre (CPDC). Funded by the Socio-Legal Studies Association the workshop ran a small test on two concepts: citizens’ assemblies and interspecies councils.…

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Primary Source XXXVI: The Templars & The Easter Revolt of 1192 3:35

8M ago3:35

3:35

For this month's primary source, our excerpt follows the infamous Easter Revolt* in 1192. After the Templars purchased Cyprus from King Richard the Lionheart, they initiated the heavy-handed exploitation of Cyprus, culminating in a revolt against the Templars and the subsequent transfer of Cyprus back to Richard. This will springboard us into my ne…

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35. Marks of Devotion or Desecration? Medieval Graffiti with Mia Trentin 1:15:58

9M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Graffiti is most often associated with vandalism today. The idea of entering a church to carve into a fresco or scratch an icon feels unthinkable. Yet, in Medieval Cyprus, graffiti was a common practice—one rooted in reverence and spiritual expression. Far from desecration, these markings, whether scripts, scratches, shapes, or symbols, carried apo…

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Primary Source XXXV: The Travels of Jacques Le Saige 1:48

9M ago1:48

1:48

Jacques Le Saige, a silk merchant from Douai, France, embarked on a journey to Jerusalem on March 19, 1518, visiting Cyprus from July to September of that year. In this episode, we hear of his visit to Saint Sophia in Nicosia, offering some of the earliest evidence of medieval "graffiti" -- in this case, marks left by visiting pilgrims. His own nam…

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34. Hail Alexis, the Peasant King: The Cypriot Peasant Revolt with Chrysovalantis Kyriacou 47:06

10M ago47:06

47:06

In 1426, if but for a short while, Cyprus had two kings. King Janus of Cyprus and the ill-fated "Peasant King," Alexis, crowned by the people. The Peasant Revolt is a little known event in Cyprus' history but it is believed to have been triggered by the Mamluk invasion, the capture of King Janus and the sack of Nicosia. After the Muslim withdrawal,…

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Meet Us on the Dance Floor: Getting to Know Vasilios Aligiannis 1:25:51

10M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Vasilios Aligiannis has an extensive and impressive resume within the Greek folk dance community. He is the founder and lead instructor of the Hellenic Lyceum Sydney. Below are excerpts from his remarkable CV. "My lifelong passion for Greek folk dance has led me on a remarkable journey of exploration and discovery throughout Greece. With over twent…

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Primary Source XXXIV: The Strambali Chronicle 3:20

10M ago3:20

3:20

This month's Primary Source is based on the "Strambal(d)i Chronicle" written at the end of the 16th century by Diomede Strambali -- a native of Cyprus -- who by the end of the Ottoman conquest, had fled to Rome as a refugee and had his work commissioned in Italian. The Chronicle recounts one of the infamous revolts in Cyprus whereby a peasant king,…

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BONUS EPISODE! Amathus with Thierry Petit 30:08

10M ago30:08

30:08

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this bonus episode! Amathus is a peculiar place. It's one of the few archaeological sites that has a relatively recent founding (i.e., the Iron Age). It boasts some peculiar customs and archaeological finds (e.g., Hathor capitals) and it is home to the famous Amathusian Bilingual (an epigraphic find that attests Cyprus' myste…

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33. Engineers, Envoys & Explorers: Cyprus & Alexander the Great with Andreas Parpas 53:52

11M ago53:52

53:52

Prior to recording this episode, I had never put any real thought into Cyprus' role in Alexander the Great's campaigns. Afterall, Cyprus is rarely (if ever) mentioned when discussing Alexander's conquests. And yet I was floored to learn not only of its significant naval contributions but just how often Alexander himself recognized the superiority o…

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Meet us on the Dance Floor: Getting to Know Vasiliki Malamatos 49:00

11M ago49:00

49:00

Vasiliki Malamatos is the director of Epanastasi Dance Troupe at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Worth, Texas; and the founder & director of Rizes HDF. Epanastasi is a young-adult competitive dance troupe that she started back in January of 2024 and is an official ministry of the St. Demetrios parish in Fort Worth, Texas. Epanastasi wil…

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Meet Us on the Dance Floor: Getting to Know Eleni Koubi 33:39

11M ago33:39

33:39

Eleni Koubi is a Greek fashion designer who founded her own brand in 2021. The philosophy behind the clothes is that the garment a person wears is not only meant to meet their physical needs and to highlight their beauty, but is an expression of their personality and cultural identity. The brand is promoting sustainability through garments that are…

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Primary Source XXXIII: An Excerpt from the Anabasis of Alexander 3:02

11M ago3:02

3:02

Arrian's "Anabasis of Alexander" provides us one of the most reliable accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns -- including Alexander's Siege of Tyre. The siege, which took place in 332BC, relied heavily on Cypriot and Phoenician naval support and provided Alexander a foothold into the Persian Empire. In fact, Arrian speaks of relying on Cypriot…

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BONUS EPISODE! Xαίρε καί πίει εύ: The History of Commandaria with Antonis Constantinou 52:06

11M ago52:06

52:06

Be Happy and Drink Well. Commandaria stands proudly as a testament to the viticultural excellence of Cyprus. In fact, Commandaria holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously produced wines in the world. Though produced for centuries, the roots of Commandaria can be traced back to the Crusades in the 12th century. It even won first…

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Figure It – Episode 16: Scenarios for the future of Cyprus (4/11/2024) 30:06

12M ago30:06

30:06

In this episode Sapienta Economics Director Fiona Mullen talks to process facilitator and peacebuilding practitioner Michelle Parlevliet of REOS Partners about the transforming effects of asking a broad cross-section of Cypriots with differing views to take the time to imagine four plausible but very different scenarios for the future of Cyprus. Th…