Final answer:
In Shakespeare's Othello, the lords of Venice command Othello to go to Cyprus to defend it from a Turkish invasion, due to his military expertise and the strategic importance of the island.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act I of Shakespeare's Othello, the lords of Venice assign Othello an important military task. They want Othello to go to Cyprus to defend the island against the impending Turkish invasion. This mission is crucial, as Cyprus is a strategic Venetian outpost in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Venetian government is concerned about the security threat posed by the Turks. Othello, a respected military leader, is chosen for his proven skill and valor in combat, and his task is to ensure that Venice maintains control over Cyprus by repelling enemy forces.