Europe
-
History of Copenhagen
Brief history of Copenhagen summarized A brief look at the history of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The birth of Copenhagen There is evidence that Copenhagen existed as a settlement more than 6,000 years ago, but its first written record dates to 1043 BC. Copenhagen, in those days called “Havn”, meaning the port, had little strategic or political importance. Most of the inhabitants of “Havn” earned their daily bread by fishing for the abundant herring in the Øresund. In the following two centuries, fishing and trade turned the small fishing village into a flourishing town. And in 1343 King Valdemar…
Read More » -
Poland
History of Krakow
Brief history of Krakow summarized Clear, entertaining and simple vision of the history of Krakow, a wonderful Polish city. Old krakow Legend has it that Krakow was founded by a hero named Krak (or Krakus) who killed a dragon by feeding it animal skins filled with sulfur. Actually, Krakow was a prosperous settlement and a great center of commerce in the 10th century. Kraków was first mentioned in 965 by a Spanish merchant who described a flourishing city on important trade routes. By the year 1000, Kraków already had a bishop. Then in 1028 Kraków became the capital of Poland.…
Read More » -
History of Crete
Brief history of Crete summarized The history of Crete, in a brief and summarized way. The origin of Crete The origin of the people who settled in Crete in 2600 BC is unknown. They were peaceful, progressive, creative, and most importantly, they knew how to navigate. Over the next 1,000 years, the Cretans make their country a great naval and commercial power. The great economic power of the island can be clearly seen in the remains that were found during the excavations at Knossos. Huge palaces with many rooms, adorned with rare paintings exude the joy of life, kindness and…
Read More » -
Ireland
History of Dublin
A brief history of Dublin in a nutshell A brief tour of the history of Dublin, the capital of Ireland, in a nutshell. Dublin and its Viking origin Dublin was founded by the Vikings. They founded a new city on the south bank of the Liffey in the year 841. It was called Dubh Linn, which means black pool. The new city of Dublin was fortified with a ditch and earth wall with a wooden palisade on top. In the late 11th century stone walls were built around Dublin. The Danes also erected an artificial hill where the men of…
Read More » -
History of Edinburgh
Brief history of Edinburgh in brief A brief review of the history of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Edinburgh in the Middle Ages Edinburgh started out as a fort. Castle Rock is an easily defensible position, so from the earliest times it was the site of a fort. In the 7th century the English captured this part of Scotland and called this place the Burgh of Eiden (burgh is an Old English word meaning strong). In the 10th century the Scots reconquered the area. In the late 11th century, King Malcolm III built a castle on Castle Rock and a…
Read More » -
History of Istanbul
Brief history of Istanbul summarized A brief history of Istanbul, a city that was first Byzantium and then Constantinople. Byzantium Although Istanbul may have been inhabited as early as 3000 BC, it was not a city until Greek settlers arrived in the area in the 7th century BC. These settlers were led by King Byzantium and settled there due to its strategic location along the Bosphorus Strait. King Byzantium named the city Byzantium after himself. The Roman Empire (330-395) Byzantium became part of the Roman Empire in the 300s. During this time, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great undertook the…
Read More » -
History of Stockholm
Brief history of Stockholm summarized A fantastic and fleeting tour of the history of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Old Stockholm The great city of Stockholm has its beginnings in the 13th century. At that time, trade was increasing throughout Europe and many new cities were founded. In 1252 Stockholm was founded by the regent of Sweden Birger Jarl. The new city grew rapidly. In 1289, it was described as the largest place in Sweden, although its size is small compared to today. Around 1500 Stockholm was a prosperous city, with a population of about 6,000 people. Then in 1520…
Read More » -
History of Florence
Brief history of Florence summarized The great city of Florence was founded by the Romans in 59 BC. It was a colony, a settlement for retired soldiers and it was called Florentia. The new city flourished and grew under Roman rule. However, in the fourth century the Roman Empire was divided into two, East and West. In the 5th century the Germanic peoples overthrew the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire survived as the Byzantine Empire. In the 6th century the Byzantine emperor tried to reconquer Italy and there was a fight between the Byzantines and a Germanic people…
Read More » -
History of Galway
Brief history of Galway summarized A brief review of the history of Galway, a city in Ireland. Galway in the Middle Ages Galway was first recorded in 1124 when a fort was built there. However, the city was founded in the 13th century. In 1170-71 the English invaded eastern Ireland and in 1232 a baron named Richard de Burgh took over this area and created a town. After 1270 walls were built around Galway. In 1396 Galway was granted a charter (a document that gave the townspeople certain rights). Galway became a royal district. Then, in 1484, a mayor won.…
Read More » -
Scotland
History of Glasgow
A Brief History of Glasgow Abridged A Brief Tour of the History of Glasgow, City of Scotland. Glasgow in the Middle Ages Glasgow was probably founded in the 6th century when St Mungo built a church on the spot called Glas Gu. (It means green place). A fishing settlement in the green place eventually grew into a small town. Glasgow received a bishop in 1115, indicating that it was quite an important settlement at the time. Glasgow church was replaced by a cathedral in 1136. The cathedral burned down in 1172 but was rebuilt. Then, in the years 1175-78 (the…
Read More »