10/01/2024
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, has a rich and diverse history that spans over a millennium. Its development is deeply rooted in Central European and Balkan influences, shaped by various rulers, empires, and political movements.
Here's an overview of Zagreb's historical timeline:
Early History
Roman Era: The area around Zagreb was part of the Roman Empire, particularly near the settlement of Andautonia, located close to modern-day Zagreb. However, Zagreb itself didn’t exist in Roman times.
Medieval Period: The first historical mention of
Zagreb dates back to 1094. When the Hungarian King Ladislaus I established a diocese at Kaptol, near the present-day Zagreb Cathedral. Around this time, another settlement, Gradec, was established on a nearby hill.
13th to 17th Century
1242 Zagreb received a significant boost when King Béla IV of Hungary granted Gradec the status of a royal free city after the Mongol invasion. This meant it was protected and given privileges that spurred its growth.
Union of Kaptol and Gradec.
For centuries, Kaptol (home to clergy) and Gradec (a fortified merchant town) developed separately but were constantly in contact. The area often faced conflicts, including raids from the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, though the Ottomans never captured the city.
Habsburg Influence By the 16th century, Zagreb came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy. During this period, Zagreb became the administrative and political center of the Croatian Kingdom, a constituent part of the Habsburg Monarchy.
18th and 19th Century
1700: Zagreb continued to develop, though it suffered several calamities, including fires and earthquakes. In the late 18th century, the Jesuit order helped establish educational and cultural institutions, laying the foundation for modern Zagreb.
