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The history of Dubrovnik began with a small settlement in pre-historic times. This settlement was located on an island called Laus which was, at that time, separated from the mainland by a marsh. Nearby, there was also a larger Greek settlement, called Epidauros. In 7^th century an invasion by Slavs destroyed Epidauros and other communities in the area, causing inhabitants to flee to Laus. Laus was renamed to Raus which later became Ragusa – which is the historic name for Dubrovnik.

From the 9th century onwards Dubrovnik expanded considerably as part of the Byzantine Empire. By the 12th century it was even considered as somewhat of a threat to Venice and its Republic. From 1205 to 1358 Dubrovnik fell under the rule of Venice.

The Treaty of Zadar in 1358 saw Dubrovnik cease being under Venice’s rule and instead become Croat-Hungarian, although it had a great deal of independence. From the 13th century onwards, Dubrovnik experienced a number of important developments which increased its prominence.

On 6 April 1667 Dubrovnik was hit by an earthquake, about 5,000 inhabitants died and much of the city was destroyed, only the city walls remained standing. Dubrovnik was weakened, and when in 1806 Napoleon entered Dubrovnik there was little resistance. In 1808 the Republic of Ragusa was officially dissolved but, in 1815 after Napolean’s fall, Dubrovnik became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.