The kings of Cyprus, particularly Hugh III…
1252 CE to 1395 CE
The Mamluks of Egypt, however, prove to be the decisive defeating factor, capturing Christian fortresses one after another as they move along the eastern Mediterranean littoral toward Acre.
With the fall of Acre in 1291, the remaining Christian positions are given up, and the Frankish lords and merchants retreat to Cyprus, which becomes a staging area for spasmodic and unprofitable attacks on Syria.
For a century after the fall of Acre, Cyprus attains and holds a position of influence and importance far beyond that which such a small kingdom would normally enjoy.
As the only remaining eastern base of operations against the Muslims, the island prospers, and its kings gain importance among the ruling families of Europe.
Under the rigid feudal system that prevails, however, the new-found prosperity falls to the Franks; the native Cypriots, who are mostly serfs, benefit little or not at all.
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