The island of Cyprus, inhabited by Greeks, Phoenicians and autochtonous people, was divided into several small kingdoms in Archaic and Classical times. This monograph studies the internal and external developments of these kingdoms from the 8th to the 4th centuries BC. First, it examines whether the different linguistic groups living on the island developed separate identities and to what extent these can be categorised as 'ethnic'. The external situation of the Cypriot kingdoms was determined by the proximity of the Near Eastern empires, and to understand these relations two theoretical concepts are applied: the 'centre-periphery' model and the concept of 'suzerainty'. Assyria and Persia respected local governing traditions, as long as the petty kings on the periphery fulfilled their duties by paying tributes and providing military support. This form of relationship came to an end with the wars of Alexander's successors, when Cyprus became one of the centres of conflict which finally led to the abolition of the Cypriot kingdoms. Until the end of the 4th century, monarchy remained the only form of government on the island. This long-lasting institution, which can best be descibed in theoretical terms as 'traditional monarchy', is examined through the use of all the written sources available.