The city of Šiauliai, Lithuania is one of the oldest cities in the country, with its roots dating back to the 12th century. It is a city of great historical importance and has played a major role in the history of Lithuania. Šiauliai is the fourth largest city in the country and is located in the northern part of the country, close to the border with Latvia.
The city was first mentioned in 1183 when it was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. At that time, it was known as Schaulen and it was a small settlement located on the banks of the Šventoji River. It was part of the Duchy of Samogitia, which was a vassal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
In the 15th century, the city was granted Magdeburg rights by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Vytautas the Great. This allowed the city to become a major trading center and it grew in size and importance. It was during this period that the city was surrounded by a wall and a castle was built.
In the 17th century, the city was annexed by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. During this time, the city experienced a period of growth and prosperity. In 1795, the city was annexed by the Russian Empire. The city was then renamed to Šiauliai and it became the capital of the Šiauliai County.
During the 19th century, Šiauliai experienced a period of industrialization. The city was connected to the railway network and many new factories were built. It was also during this period that the city experienced a period of Jewish immigration.
In the 20th century, the city was occupied by the Germans during World War II. After the war, the city was part of the Soviet Union and experienced a period of industrialization and modernization. In 1990, the city became part of the newly independent state of Lithuania.
Today, Šiauliai is a modern city with a population of over 100,000. It is a major industrial center and is home to many universities and colleges. The city is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Šiauliai Cathedral and the Šiauliai Castle. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural events.