The city of Bratislava, located in Slovakia, has a long and fascinating history. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, the city has served as a major political, economic, and cultural center for centuries. From its earliest days as a Celtic settlement to its current status as the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava’s history is full of interesting characters, events, and influences.
The first recorded settlement in the area of Bratislava dates back to the 5th century BC. The Celts were the first known inhabitants of the area, and they named it Brezalauspurc. It is thought that the name comes from the Celtic words “bre” and “zala”, which mean “hill” and “fort” respectively. The Celts were replaced by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and the city was named Istropolis.
In the 9th century, the city was invaded by the Magyars, and it was given the name Pressburg. This was the first time the city was given a name that would become associated with it in the future. In 1291, the city was granted a royal charter by King Andrew III, and it was given the name Bratislava. This name is derived from the Slovak words “brat” and “slava”, which mean “brother” and “glory” respectively.
For centuries, Bratislava was a major political, economic, and cultural center for Central Europe. During the Middle Ages, the city was the seat of the Hungarian kings, and it was an important trading center. In the 16th century, the city was occupied by the Turks, and it was liberated by the Habsburgs in 1683.
In the 18th century, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary and a major center of the Enlightenment. During this period, many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Bratislava Castle, were built. The city was also a major center of learning, and the University of Bratislava was founded in 1919.
In 1918, Bratislava became the capital of the newly created Czechoslovak Republic. After World War II, the city became part of the Soviet-controlled Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, and it remained so until the Velvet Revolution of 1989. In 1993, the city became the capital of the newly independent Slovakia.
Today, Bratislava is a vibrant and modern city. It is a major political, economic, and cultural center, and it is home to a number of important historical sites. The city is also known for its lively nightlife, and it is a popular tourist destination.