Archaeological evidence indicates that the site where Niš is now located was inhabited in pre-historic times.
Since ancient times Niš has been a major crossroads between Asia Minor and Europe.
The city's geographic location made it an important strategic stronghold; over the centuries, it was a target of a variety of invaders.
In 269 CE, not far from Niš, Emperor Claudius II defeated the Goths, thus saving the Roman Empire from being conquered.
The city is the birthplace of Constantine the Great, who was born in Niš in 274 CE. Serbia was conquered by Sultan Murad in 1385 CE.
Niš itself was subject to a twenty-five day siege by the Turks.
Click the buttons below for an historical timeline of Niš, and for a collection of photos of Turkish Rule and of photos of Old Niš.
Distribution of central South Slavic Dialects before the 16th century migration
Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Atlas of Yugoslavia
The Official Niš city webpage has a section on the history of the town.
Please contact Leah Haber Gedalia
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