Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of less than one million people. We already know that Montenegro has a lot to offer. Deep forests and virgin forests, mountains, breathtaking beaches, deep gorges and pristine glacial lakes are just a few proofs that a trip to Montenegro is worth it. But today we want to take you on a journey into Montenegro's past. Just like the nature, the history of Montenegro is also very colorful. The turbulent life of Montenegro was shaped by many people, but its constant striving for freedom remained dominant throughout its history. Although its territory is rather small, this proud country has a lot to tell when it comes to its history.
Where did Montenegro get its name?
The name "Crna Gora" (Montenegro) is mentioned for the first time in the constitution of King Milutin from 1276. It is believed that the town got its name after the dense forests that covered Mount Lovcen and the surrounding area. The forests were so dark that the observer got the impression of a "black" mountain.
Montenegro's prehistory
At the time of the Roman Empire, the territory of Montenegro was actually the territory of Duklja, which included the area around Lake Skadar and the nearby mountains. The first prince of Duklja was Vladimir. With the arrival of the Slovenes in the 7th century, Christianity quickly gained the upper hand in this region. In 1040 Duklja gained its independence and was finally declared a kingdom in 1077, at the same time becoming the first independent state in the Balkans. The kingdom was given the name Zeta.
While there was general unrest after the death of the rulers from the Vladimir family, Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire, gained supremacy over Zeta. Now the great ruler Nemanja ruled, but he did not change the status of Zeta, as an independent state.
Under the leadership of the following dynasties Balsic and Crnojevic, Montenegro became an independent feudal state in the 14th century. During the rule, the people together with the Crnojevic family had to retreat towards the Lovcen Mountains due to many attacks of the Turkish army.
In 1496, the Turks finally took control of Montenegro and annexed it to the province of Skadar. Nevertheless, Montenegro retained a high degree of autonomy and regained full independence some 200 years later. From that time on, the spiritual leaders, the bishops, took over the rule in Montenegro. Then, at the end of the 17th century, the foundation of the Petrovic dynasty began, and with it the struggle for the unity of religion and politics.
The 19th century
One of the most famous figures in Montenegrin history is Petar I Petrovic. Under his leadership, Montenegro managed to strengthen its independence and, after great victories over the numerically superior Turkish army, finally liberated itself completely. He also united the various clans of Montenegro and brought them closer to the coastal population, which at that time was still under the influence of Austria-Hungary.
His successor, Petar II Njegos was considered an exceptional statesman, philosopher and writer. During his reign he built state institutions, administrative and state authorities, maintained relations with Russia and took part in battles against Turkey. He also wrote numerous literary works that made him a world-renowned writer.
Although the Montenegrin people were much weaker in numbers, they were victorious in a number of battles against Turkey. During his reign, Prince and King Nikola enabled Montenegro to achieve important political goals. Under his leadership, Montenegro recaptured Bar and Ulcinj, and with them part of the Adriatic coast, and also regained Podgorica, Kolasin and Niksic. At the Berlin Congress, Montenegro received full international recognition. The fact that Montenegro was the only country in the Balkans that had successfully fought the Ottoman Empire impressed Europe, and Montenegro finally became a kingdom in 1910.
The 20th century
The 20th century was a difficult time for Montenegro, as it lost its independence at that time and disappeared from the political map of Europe. When the First World War broke out, Montenegro sided with Serbia and the Allies. Serbia annexed Montenegro in 1918, and with it Montenegro lost everything it had acquired over the centuries: its statehood, its army and its dynasty.
After the turbulent years at the end of the 20th century and after the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro remained in union with Serbia, so that these two republics formed the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.
In a referendum on May 21, 2006, the majority of citizens voted for Montenegro's independence. Thus, Montenegro is now an internationally recognized independent state. On July 27, 2006, Montenegro became the 192nd country to be admitted to the UN.
You want to travel to Montenegro?
Are you as enthusiastic about Montenegro as we are? Then join us on our next five days Montenegro round trip. We look forward to seeing you!