The history of the area which is now Zagreb extends far back to pre-historic times.  The ancient civilizations of the area are commemorated in the museums which are frequently visited by tourists.  However, the modern history of the area extends only back to the eleventh century, when the area was settled by Hungarians.  Hungary ruled until the middle of the thirteenth century when the Zagreb area was attacked by Mongols.  This resulted in a political division of the area, with one part being known as Kaptol and the other as Gradec.  These two areas remained distinct until the seventeenth century when they were united and became Zagreb proper.

After this unification, Zagreb began to develop. By the end of the seventeenth century, the University of Zagreb had been established and the area came in to its own.  Growth continued and was significantly aided in the middle of the nineteenth century when trains began to run through the area.  It was then that the area which is now known as Upper Town was developed.  (See http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g29... for more information about this historic neighborhood.)  In the twentieth century, Zagreb became an important link between major cities in the area and travelers began to take it seriously as a travel destination.