by Dubravka Majer

Created on: April 11, 2009

History of Budapest,Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It is located between great Hungarian Plains and Northern Transdanubia. There are three older settlements existing today: Buda, Pest and Obuda. They have formed this 203 square mile city. The total network of roads and streets is 2,274 miles long flourishing with parks that cover 3,000 acres. All Danubian countries maintain their shipping agencies in Budapest, whose authority covers free port. Budapest has a reputation to be one of the most beautiful international cities of the modern period. Nine bridges, including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, built by the Scottish engineer Adam Clark, linking Buda with Pest. The contemporary status of Budapest offers nice panoramas across the city.

Legends say that the river Danube always was a fordable point. Copper, Bronze and Iron Age men lived there. Over this "ample water" Celtic people settled and at the end of 1st century Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the great Eurasian migration followed. Slavic tribes entered the Panonian basin in the 7th Century and as the Magyars in 9th. This was their "Promised Land". The landscape with the Danube through hills and unending riding territories intertwining together with thermal springs was an answer to nature. Whoever saw this fruitful flatland with hundred of miles of wheat, corn and sunflower understood their dream.

On west bank, the Danube King Bella 4th built the stone fortress in 1241, when Mongols settled. In the 15th century, Buda was the most important handicraft and trading center. Matthias 1st Corvine gave this city an artistic and educational flair. Both cities declined during time when they were occupied by the Turks (1541-1686). Subsequently, after new freedom, Budapest was center for the European New World. In early 1790, Buda had became the seat of Government and all cities prospered well. Rapidly outstripping its neighbors' significance, Hungary received independence within the frame of the Dual Monarchy and Austria-Hungarian empire in second half of 19th century. Strong mutual ties between Buda, Pest, and Obuda formed one administrative unit in 1873. Budapest evolved into an important center for the production of agricultural machinery in Europe. With mechanization, this was possible to provide further industrialization. In World War I, Budapest didn't suffer as many sacrifices like others, but in 1920, the "Treaty of Trianon" devastated the city. However, this economy couldn't have stopped

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