Croatian history is long and rich, with a complex mix of different cultures and civilizations influencing the region over the centuries. Here is a brief overview of some of the key periods and events in Croatian history:
Ancient times
Various Illyrian and Celtic tribes inhabited the region that is now Croatia. The Greeks and the Romans also had a significant presence, and the Romans established several important cities, including Salona and Pula.
Early medieval period
In the 7th century, the Croats, a Slavic tribe, arrived in the region and established a kingdom in the 9th century. Several dynasties, including the Trpimirović, Domagojević, and Piast ruled the early Croatian state.
High medieval period
In the 11th century, Croatia entered into a personal union with Hungary, which lasted for centuries. During this time, the country was ruled by various Croatian and Hungarian rulers, including King Koloman, who expanded the country’s borders.
Ottoman period
Croatia was part of the Habsburg Monarchy, which was under threat from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Ottomans invaded and occupied parts of Croatia but were eventually pushed back by the Habsburgs.
19th and 20th centuries
Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century and then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1918. During World War II, Croatia was occupied by Nazi Germany, and the fascist Ustaše regime carried out atrocities against Serbs, Jews, and Roma. After the war, Croatia became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which broke apart in the early 1990s. Croatia declared independence in 1991 and fought a war with Serbia, which ended in 1995.
Today, Croatia is a modern and democratic country that is a member of the European Union and NATO. Its history is reflected in its rich cultural heritage, which includes ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and historic cities.