Ancient Rab

Island of Rab is mentioned for the first time back in the 4th century BC in the itinerary of greek geographer Pseudo Skilaks. He describes islands of Rab and Pag under the common name Mertorides.

Later in history Rab can be found under the different names: Arba, Arva, Arbe, Arbum, Arbia, Arbiana and Arbitrana. The word "arb" is considered to be the old Illyrian word meaning "dark, green, wooded". It is hard to define the meaning and origin of name Rab, but it is most likely that the Slavs adapted the old name to their language when they came to the island for the first time. The name Rab does not appear until the 15th century AD.

Age of Illyrians

The oldest inhabitants known to history were Illyrian tribe called Lyburnians. They were excellent ship builders who built their own light and quick type of vessel called "liburna". Their expertise in ship building had a strong influence on later inhabitants of that area.

In their progress to the Adriatic, Greeks have also captured island of Rab. Traces of fortifications and settlements from that period can still be found on cape Kastelina in Kampor bay and Punta Zidine on the Lopar peninsula.

Around the middle of the 3rd century BC the state of Illyrian tribe Ardyans is formed. Lyburnians have joined up with it immediately. Soon after, joined forces of Lyburnians and Ardyans captured all of the Adriatic territory except for the fort Issa on the island of Vis. Continuous attacks have forced Greeks to call Roman empire for help in 229 BC.

Rab under the Roman rule

The period of Rab under the Roman rule followed after the Romans defeated Lyburnians. Romans have rebuilt and built new ones were there were no forts. One such military fortress has been built in the half 2nd century BC on the place where now city of Rab stands. This simple settlement has been, probably for it's strategic position, promoted to roman municipality by roman emperor Octavian August. Municipality of Rab was comparable by all characteristics to other Roman Municipalities. It had constitution, city hall, temples, squares, court houses, public baths, aqueducts and theatres. Numerous Roman inscriptions testify of Rab's prosperity in the 2nd and 3rd century.

Rab under the Byzantine rule

After the fall of West Roman empire, Dalmatia and Rab have fallen to short lasting rule of East Gothic state. In 544 AD Byzantium has conquered island of Rab and Dalmatia. Later in 750 AD the city of Rab is given a status of autonomous commune on the model of former municipality.

Rab from 9th till 15th century

Croatian princes' influence grows under the rule of Byzantium. In 880 AD under the rule of prince Branimir Croatia becomes an independent state.

In 925 AD Croatia has became kingdom under the rule of king Tomislav. Byzantium of that period was stressed with battles with Bulgarians who threatened to conquer the city of Constantinople. To make king Tomislav his ally, Byzantine emperor has gave him all of the latin cities, amongst which was the city of Rab.

Battles for throne emerged at the end of the 10th century. To protect themselves from battles and riots Dalmatian cities call Venice for help. The periods of Rab under the Venice and Croato-Hungarian kings rule followed in succession.

Rab from 15th till 20th century

In 1409. Rab fell to the hands of Venice once again and stayed under it's rule till 1797. The aristocracy had the strongest influence in that period. The discovery of new routes towards far east has changed trading paths. Venice, who had a trading monopoly, was heavily affected by that discovery which contributed to impoverishment of Venice and it's aristocracy.

At the end of the 18th century the Venice was occupied by France and the city of Rab was taken by Austro-Hungarian army. After Napoleon defeated Austria in the battle of Austerlitz in 1805., Dalmatia and the island of Rab fell under the Napoleon's rule. Austro-Hungarian army took island of Rab again after the fall of Napoleon.

20th century Rab

Austro-Hungarian rule lasted till 1918. when Rab was conquered by Italy. Rab was freed from Italy in 1921. by the Rapallo peace treaty. Island of Rab was under the rule of Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Italy captured Rab once again in the World War II in 1941. After the capitulation of Italy in 1945. Rab was returned to Croatia which was than part of the former Yugoslavia. Finally in 1991. along with Croatian independence, island of Rab became integral part of the Republic of Croatia.