A documentary that dives deep into a subject that’s literally shaped the island: copper will have its first screening on May 14.

The History of Copper in Cyprus, directed by Stavros Papageorgiou, will premiere at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre at 7pm next week with an event that has free entrance. More than just a science documentary, this film explores how one metal helped define the identity, economy and mythology of Cyprus – from ancient times to today.

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 sulfide (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 others 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.

The evening will begin at 7pm with a few opening remarks by director of the geological survey department Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, director Papageorgiou and Agriculture Minister Maria Panagiotou. The documentary screening will take place at 7.45pm (in Greek with English subtitle), followed by a reception at the theatre’s foyer.

The History of Copper in Cyprus

First screening of Cypriot documentary. May 14. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 7pm. In Greek with English subtitles. Free entrance