Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, has a history that stretches back centuries. This vibrant city has been home to many different cultures and civilizations over the years, and today it is a bustling hub of activity. From its Roman origins to its role in World War II, Novi Sad has a rich and fascinating history that is worth exploring.
The earliest known settlement on the site of modern-day Novi Sad dates back to the Roman period. The city was first established in the 2nd century AD by the Roman Emperor Trajan. This settlement was known as Sirmium and it was an important city in the Roman province of Pannonia. Sirmium was a major trading center and it remained an important city until the 5th century when it was sacked by the Huns.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Novi Sad came under the control of the Kingdom of Hungary. It was during this period that Novi Sad was first given its current name, which translates to “New Plantation” in English. The city was an important trading hub in the region and it was also a major center of culture and learning.
In the 18th century, Novi Sad was a key player in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city was an important military base and it was also the capital of the Vojvodina region. This period of time saw Novi Sad grow in size and importance, and it was during this period that the city’s iconic Petrovaradin Fortress was built.
In the early 20th century, Novi Sad was the site of some of the most intense fighting of World War I. This was due to the city’s strategic location and its proximity to the front lines. After the war, Novi Sad was occupied by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became Yugoslavia.
During World War II, Novi Sad was occupied by Nazi Germany and its allies. The city was the site of some of the worst atrocities of the war, including the Novi Sad Raid of 1942, which saw thousands of people killed by the occupying forces. After the war, Novi Sad was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Today, Novi Sad is a vibrant and modern city. It is a major cultural center and it is home to a number of universities and museums. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. Novi Sad has a long and fascinating history, and it is well worth exploring.