Through a series of subunits the course examines the History of the Eastern Mediterranean basin from the 11th century, the period of commencement of the Crusades while Venice is gradually developing into a city-state with a most powerful network of possessions in the eastern Mediterranean which was destined to play a cardinal role in historical developments of the area until the period inclusive of the 18th century. On a parallel basis, Cyprus is gradually turning into a bastion of Christianity, when the crusader states begin to disintegrate under the pressure of the Muslims, until Cyprus itself will eventually fall under Ottoman rule in A.D. 1571. All the aforementioned powers get intertwined creating new realities springing within their adversities, as well as within a cultural interchange and sibling which derives from their common southeastern Mediterranean experiences and heritages. The course consists of the following units: I. Venice and its economic preponderance II. The Crusades III. Cyprus in the period of Latin domination IV. The Venetian-Ottoman strife (15th -early 18th centuries)