Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Situated on the Vardar River, it has been an important cultural and economic center for centuries. Its long and varied history has left its mark on the city, making it a unique and fascinating destination for visitors.
The earliest known settlement in the area of Skopje dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4500 BC. During the Iron Age, the city was part of the Dardanian Kingdom, a powerful state in the region. In the 4th century BC, it was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. After Philip's death, Skopje became part of the Macedonian Empire, which was ruled by Alexander's successors.
In the late Roman period, Skopje was an important city in the province of Dardania. It was an important Christian center and was home to several monasteries. In the 6th century AD, it was conquered by the Slavs, who renamed it Skopie. During the Middle Ages, the city was part of the Bulgarian Empire, and later the Serbian Empire. In the 15th century, it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, who ruled it until 1912.
Under Ottoman rule, Skopje became an important center of trade and commerce. The city was also home to a large Jewish community, as well as a vibrant cultural scene. During the 19th century, the city was an important center of the Albanian national movement. In 1912, it was liberated by the Serbian army, and became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
During World War II, Skopje was occupied by the Bulgarian and German forces. After the war, it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and later the Republic of North Macedonia. Today, Skopje is a vibrant and modern city, with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to a wide variety of historic sites, museums, and monuments, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Skopje is a great destination for those looking to explore the history and culture of the Balkans.