History of Croatia

Question 1

1. Where have the remains of Neanderthal prehistoric humans been found (Northern Croatia)?

Answer 1

In Hušnjakovo near Krapina.

Question 2

2. What were the Neanderthals like?

Answer 2

More muscular than homo sapiens, better adapted to cold climate, good hunters, knew tools and fire and took care of the elderly and sick members of their group.

Question 3

3. According to the admixture theory, what happened to the Neanderthals?

Answer 3

As Homo sapiens started to populate the Earth, they interbred with other species such as the Neanderthals. This is supported by DNA evidence stating that 1-4% of modern-day people in Europe and the Middle East carry Neanderthal genes

Question 4

4. Explain the replacement theory.

Answer 4

The replacement theory states that when Homo sapiens encountered Neanderthals their genetic differences were too big to produce viable offspring. Homo sapiens was a better hunter and the Neanderthals couldn’t compete, so their population declined either due to loss of food, or even because of genocide.

Question 5

5. When did the Vučedol culture exist?

Answer 5

3000-2200 BC

Question 6

6. Why was the Vučedol culture important?

Answer 6

It was one of the most advanced Bronze Age cultures in Europe.

Question 7

7. What is the Vučedol culture famous for?

Answer 7

Sophisticated pottery, ability to produce advanced metal tools and weapons, one of the earliest known European calendars (Vučedol vase).

Question 8

8. What are some other cultures that existed at the same time as Vučedol?

Answer 8

Sumer, the Early Dynastic Period and the earliest settlements of Troy.

Question 9

9. How many inhabitants did Bronze Age Vučedol have?

Answer 9

About 3000.

Question 10

10. At its peak, how many modern European countries did the Vučedol culture cover (partially or completely)?

Answer 10

14

Question 11

11. In the Vučedol culture, who was in charge of the settlement?

Answer 11

The shaman-smith

Question 12

12. What did the shaman-smith do?

Answer 12

He was in charge of coppersmithing; he had the knowledge of avoiding poisonous arsenic gas.

Question 13

13. What were the physical consequences of coppersmithing for the shaman-smith?

Answer 13

Loss of body movement coordination (limping) and stronger sexual potency

Question 14

14. According to recent interpretations, which animal does the Vučedol Dove actually represent?

Answer 14

The partridge.

Question 15

15. Why is the Vučedol Dove actually not a dove, but a partridge?

Answer 15

The male partridge was a symbol of fertility, with limping defensive behaviour when attacked by predators. This can be linked to the limping movements of the shaman-smith.

Question 16

16. What is the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlement in Europe?

Answer 16

Vinkovci

Question 17

17. How long has Vinkovci been inhabited?

Answer 17

8300 years, since the Neolithic period.

Question 18

18. Which star is the Vinkovci vase astral calendar based on?

Answer 18

The Orion cycle.

Question 19

19. Which tribes arrived to these areas around 800 BC?

Answer 19

The Illyrians

Question 20

20. Name 3 Illyrian tribes that lived in these areas.

Answer 20

Histri, Liburni, Delmatae.

Question 21

21. What were the Illyrians famous for?

Answer 21

Their warrior culture, shipbuilding skills, resisting Romans.

Question 22

22. What happened in 168 BC?

Answer 22

The Illyrians lost against the Romans in the Illyrian Wars, marking the beginning of Roman expansion in the area of modern-day Croatia.

Question 23

23. How did the Romans divide this area?

Answer 23

Into two provinces, Pannonia and Dalmatia.

Question 24

24. When did the Greeks establish colonies in Croatia?

Answer 24

In the 4th century BC.

Question 25

25. What were the most important Greek colonies in Croatia?

Answer 25

Pharos (Stari Grad, Hvar), Tragurion (Trogir) and Issa (Vis).

Question 26

26. What did the Greeks introduce to this area?

Answer 26

Urban planning and trade networks.

Question 27

27. How long did the Romans rule this area?

Answer 27

From 9 AD – 476 AD, almost 500 years.

Question 28

28. What was the capital of the province Dalmatia?

Answer 28

Salona (Solin)

Question 29

29. What was the Via Flavia?

Answer 29

A road connecting Pula to Italy, important for trade and troop movements.

Question 30

30. What did the Romans establish?

Answer 30

Major urban centres, road network, aqueducts, military camps.

Question 31

31. When was the Pula Arena constructed?

Answer 31

In the 1st century AD

Question 32

32. How many spectators could the Arena hold?

Answer 32

Up to 23 000 spectators.

Question 33

33. When did the Croats arrive?

Answer 33

In the 7th century.

Question 34

34. Who was the first Croatian king?

Answer 34

King Tomislav

Question 35

35. How long was the Croatian Kingdom independent?

Answer 35

From 925 – 1102

Question 36

36. What happened in 1102?

Answer 36

The Croatian Kingdom entered a personal union with Hungary under King Coloman.

Question 37

37. Who ruled most of Croatia from the 14th – 17th century?

Answer 37

Hungary

Question 38

38. When did the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) abolish slavery?

Answer 38

In 1416

Question 39

39. What is the Antemurale Christianitatis (the Bulwark of Christianity)?

Answer 39

Croatia, because it was the last line of defence against the Ottomans.

Question 40

40. When did the Habsburgs rule over Croatia?

Answer 40

18th-19th century

Question 41

41. Who were the Grenzers?

Answer 41

Croatian soldiers

Question 42

42. What year did Croatia sever ties with Austria-Hungary?

Answer 42

1918

Question 43

43. What year did Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia?

Answer 43

1991

Question 44

44. How long was the Croatian War of Independence?

Answer 44

4 years, from 1991-1995.

Question 45

45. When did Croatia join the EU?

Answer 45

In 2013.

Question 46

46. When did Croatia join the Eurozone?

Answer 46

In 2023.

Question 47

47. What is the current population size of Croatia?

Answer 47

3.8 million.