Slovakia's Early History

Pre-History and Early Middle Ages

• The territory of Slovakia was inhabited by various tribes, including the Celts and the Sarmatians, before the arrival of the Slavs in the 5th century AD.
• In the 9th century, the territory was part of the Great Moravian Empire, a state that existed from 833 to 907 AD.

Medieval Period (10th-15th centuries)

• In the 10th century, Slovakia was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, which was established in 1000 AD.
• During the 13th century, the Mongols invaded Slovakia, causing significant destruction and population decline.
• In the 14th century, Slovakia experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the mining industry.

Ottoman-Habsburg Rivalry (16th-17th centuries)

• In the 16th century, Slovakia was threatened by the Ottoman Empire, which had expanded into Central Europe.
• The Habsburgs, who ruled Hungary and Slovakia, fought against the Ottomans, leading to a period of war and instability.

National Revival (18th-19th centuries)

• In the 18th century, a national revival movement emerged in Slovakia, aiming to promote the Slovak language and culture.
• The movement was led by figures such as Anton Bernolák and Ľudovít Štúr, who developed the modern Slovak language.

20th Century

• In 1918, Slovakia became part of Czechoslovakia, a newly formed state that existed until 1993.
• During World War II, Slovakia was a fascist state, allied with Nazi Germany.
• In 1945, Slovakia became part of the Soviet-dominated Eastern Bloc.
• In 1989, the Velvet Revolution led to the end of communist rule, and Slovakia became an independent state in 1993.

Modern Era (1993-present)

• Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro currency in 2009.
• Today, Slovakia is a parliamentary democracy, with a growing economy and a strong focus on EU integration.

Pre-History and Early Middle Ages

• Various tribes, including Celts and Sarmatians, inhabited Slovakia before the arrival of Slavs in the 5th century AD.
• The territory was part of the Great Moravian Empire from 833 to 907 AD.

Medieval Period

• Slovakia was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, established in 1000 AD, in the 10th century.
• The Mongols invaded Slovakia in the 13th century, causing destruction and population decline.
• The 14th century saw significant economic growth, particularly in the mining industry.

Ottoman-Habsburg Rivalry

• In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire threatened Slovakia, and the Habsburgs fought against them, leading to war and instability.

National Revival

• A national revival movement emerged in the 18th century, promoting the Slovak language and culture.
• Key figures like Anton Bernolák and Ľudovít Štúr developed the modern Slovak language.

20th Century

• Slovakia became part of Czechoslovakia in 1918, which existed until 1993.
• During World War II, Slovakia was a fascist state allied with Nazi Germany.
• In 1945, Slovakia became part of the Soviet-dominated Eastern Bloc.
• The Velvet Revolution in 1989 led to the end of communist rule, and Slovakia became an independent state in 1993.

Modern Era

• Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro currency in 2009.
• Today, Slovakia is a parliamentary democracy with a growing economy and a strong focus on EU integration.

Learn about the early history of Slovakia, from the ancient tribes to the medieval period, including the Great Moravian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary.