First official screening of the documentary “The History of Copper in Cyprus”

The Geological Survey Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Deputy Ministry of Culture have announced the premier screening of the documentary “The History of Copper in Cyprus” directed by Stavros Papageorgiou, on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at 19:00, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

The event is under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides.

The documentary, which was produced in the context of the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark and the 75th anniversary of the Geological Survey Department, refers to the creation of the massive sulphide (copper) deposits and the long history of the exploitation of copper in Cyprus from the Chalcolithic period to the present day. This precious metal contributed to the development of the civilisation in Cyprus and many other ancient civilisations in the Aegean, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and even beyond.

Copper’s name is connected with the name of Cyprus, the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, who is considered its protector. The Romans named this precious metal AES CYPRIUM, meaning the Metal of Cyprus. During the Bronze Age, thousands of Cypriot copper ingots were exported to Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and almost the entire European continent. The mining of Cypriot copper from the late 19th century until the 1970s contributed greatly to the industrial, social and economic development of the island.

Event Programme

19:00: Greetings by Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, Director of the Geological Survey Department; Stavros Papageorgiou, Film Director; and Dr Maria Panagiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.

19:15: Documentary Screening (duration: 90, Greek narration with English subtitles)

20:45 Reception in the foyer of the Theatre.

Entrance is free for the public.