By Tim Lambert
Early Budapest
In the 1st century AD, the Romans conquered parts of what is now Hungary. About 100 AD, they created a town called Aquincum on the site of Budapest. However, in 409, the Huns captured the town. The region was then ruled by different peoples until the Magyars conquered the area in 896. Then, in the late 12th century, the towns of Buda and Pest grew up.
The region was devastated by the Mongol invasion of 1241. However, Buda and Pest soon recovered, and in 1244, Pest was given a royal charter. However, in the late Middle Ages, Buda became the capital of Hungary.
Then, in 1541, the Turks captured Buda. They held it until 1686 when the Austrians captured it. Then, in 1689, Buda and Pest suffered a severe outbreak of bubonic plague. It returned in 1711. However, the later 18th century was a time of prosperity for Buda and Pest.
Modern Budapest
During the 19th century, Buda and Pest continued to grow and prosper. The Lutheran Church was built in 1808. Then, in 1848, a rebellion broke out, but it was suppressed in 1849. However the same year, 1849, the Chain Bridge was built. The Great Synagogue was built in 1859, and the Great Market Hall opened in 1864. Then, in 1873, Buda and Pest were united as one city. The first metro line opened in 1896.
In 1945, Budapest was captured by the Russians. They imposed a Communist tyranny. In 1956, people in Budapest rebelled, but the rebellion was brutally put down. Finally, communism collapsed in 1989. Today, Budapest is a thriving city. In 2024, the population of Budapest was 1.7 million.
