Croatia lies at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Its history spans more than three thousand years of continuous civilization — from Illyrian tribes, through Roman Dalmatia, the medieval Croatian Kingdom, Venetian and Habsburg rule, to today's modern independent European state.
Antiquity (until 7th century)
Before the arrival of the Slavs, the area of today's Croatia was inhabited by Illyrian tribes (Liburnians, Histri, Dalmatae). The Greeks founded colonies on the islands (Issa on Vis, Tragurion — today's Trogir, Pharos on Hvar). In the 1st century BC, Rome conquered the entire coast and established the province of Dalmatia. From this period the Pula Arena, Diocletian's Palace in Split, and many bridges and aqueducts have been preserved.
Kingdom of Croatia (9th-11th c.)
Slavic tribes arrived in the 7th century. Under princes Trpimir, Domagoj and Branimir (recognized by Pope John VIII in 879), Croatia became an independent principality. King Tomislav (around 925) was crowned the first King of the Croats. The peak was reached under Petar Krešimir IV and Dmitar Zvonimir (11th c.).
Personal union with Hungary (1102-1527)
After the death of King Zvonimir, Pacta conventa (1102) joins Croatia to the Hungarian crown. The country keeps its Sabor and ban. The Republic of Dubrovnik becomes an important Mediterranean trading center (1358-1808), and the coast falls under the Republic of Venice.
Habsburg Monarchy (1527-1918)
After the Battle of Mohács (1526), Croatia chooses Ferdinand Habsburg as king. The next four centuries are marked by the military frontier against the Ottomans. The 19th-century Illyrian movement under Ljudevit Gaj launches Croatian national revival.
Yugoslavia (1918-1991)
After the collapse of Austria-Hungary, Croatia joins the Kingdom of SHS (later Yugoslavia). WWII brings the NDH and the Partisan resistance. Under Tito, Croatia is one of six socialist republics.
Independent Croatia (1991 — today)
On 25 June 1991, Croatia declares independence. The Homeland War (1991-1995) ends with Operation Storm and the peaceful reintegration of eastern Slavonia. In 2009, Croatia joins NATO, in 2013 the European Union, and in 2023 the eurozone and the Schengen area.