Blurb:

The chapter considers the relationship between Orientalization and Orientalism, especially with respect to the relevance of modern historiographic constructs for interpreting the past. It further presents an overview of the relevant archeological evidence. The social lives and the role of Oriental luxury goods within Cypriot society is also considered. Moreover, the chapter discusses how the distance between Oriental states and Cyprus may have helped to establish and legitimize social power amongst Cypriot elites. Finally, the value of the Orientalization concept is assessed for a better understanding of the dynamics of eastern Mediterranean prehistory.