Szombathely History: A Look into Hungary's Ancient Past
Szombathely is a city in Hungary located in the Western Transdanubian region of the country. It is the oldest city in Hungary, having been founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD. The city has a rich and fascinating history, and its importance in Hungary's past cannot be overstated.
The city's name comes from the Latin word "Sambatelo", which means "Saturday Market". This is due to the fact that the city was founded on a Saturday in the year 9 BC. It was originally a Roman military camp, and it was later developed into a city by the Romans. The city was an important stop on the Amber Road, a trade route that connected the Roman Empire with the Baltic region.
Szombathely was an important center of culture in the Middle Ages. It was the home of Hungary's first university, which was founded in 1367. The city was also home to several important religious orders, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites.
Throughout its history, Szombathely has been an important center of commerce. It was a major trading hub in the 19th century, and it was home to several major factories, including a sugar refinery, a paper mill, and a textile mill.
The city was the site of several major battles during World War II, and it was heavily damaged by Allied bombing. After the war, the city was rebuilt and it has since become a major industrial center.
Today, Szombathely is a thriving city with a population of over 100,000. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to many historical sites, including the ruins of the Roman fortifications, the ruins of the medieval castle, and the ruins of the old Jewish quarter.
The city is also home to several museums, including the Szombathely Museum of History and the Museum of Hungarian Jewry. Szombathely is also home to a number of cultural events, such as the Szombathely International Film Festival and the Szombathely Spring Festival.
Szombathely is a city with a long and fascinating history. Its importance in Hungary's past cannot be overstated, and its many historical sites and museums are a testament to its rich past. It is a city worth visiting, and its many attractions make it a great destination for tourists.