The History of Croatia

Croatia sits at one of Europe's great crossroads, where the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Central Europe all meet. That position made it a target for centuries. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, Habsburgs, and Yugoslav partisans all left their mark on this stretch of land along the Adriatic coast. This book tells the story of how Croatia survived all of them and eventually carved out an independent state of its own. Starting with the ancient Illyrian and Roman settlements along the coast, the narrative moves through the medieval Croatian kingdom, the centuries of Habsburg rule, the struggles of World War II, the complex history of Yugoslavia, and the painful 1991 war for independence. It is a country whose history is rarely taught in depth outside its borders, but whose story touches on some of the biggest themes in European history. From Illyrian tribes and Diocletian's Palace to the medieval kingdom and union with Hungary, from Venetian Dalmatia and Habsburg control to the Ustasha regime, Partisan resistance, and the 1991 war for independence. A solid and informative read for anyone interested in European history or the Balkans.