Queen Caterina reigns as a figurehead until 1489, when Venice formally annexes Cyprus and ends the three hundred-year Lusignan epoch.

For ordinary Cypriots, the change from Lusignan to Venetian rule is hardly noticeable.

The Venetians are as oppressive as their predecessors and aim to profit as much as possible from their new acquisition.

One difference is that the wealth that had been kept on the island by the Frankish rulers is taken to Venice—Cyprus is only one outpost of the far-flung Venetian commercial empire.

During the long Lusignan period and the eighty-two years of Venetian control, foreign rulers unquestionably change the Cypriot way of life, but it is the Cypriot peasant with his Greek religion and Greek culture who withstands all adversity.

Throughout the period, almost three centuries, there are two distinct societies, one foreign and one native.

The first society consists primarily of Frankish nobles with their retinues and Italian merchants with their families and followers.

The second society, the majority of the population, consists of Greek Cypriot serfs and laborers.

Each of these societies has its own culture, language, and religion.

Although a decided effort is made to supplant native customs and beliefs, the effort fails.

Ottoman Turks raid and attack at will throughout the period of Venetian rule.

Turks attack the Karpas Peninsula in 1489, the first year of Venetian control, pillaging and taking captives to be sold into slavery.

The Turkish fleet attacks and destroys Limassol in 1539.

The Venetians, fearing the ever-expanding Ottoman Empire, have fortified Famagusta, Nicosia, and Kyrenia, but most other cities are easy prey.