Montenegro: History

History of this country has always been bright. Though many countries wanted to conquer its territory, it managed to bring its feverish desire of freedom and independence through the entire history. Each small part of the land belonging to this state keeps memory of many periods in its life – starting from the Great Roman Imperia and up to the present moment.

The name of this country was mentioned in the documents of King Milutin far back in 1276. Also, there is a legend that the state received its name due to dense forests located in the mountains and around its territory. They were so dark that made an impression of a black mountain.

Initially, this country was called “Duklya”. Its first governor was Prince Vladimir. In 1040, Duklya gained independence, and in 1077 it became a kingdom. Thus, it became one of the states in the Balkans having the independent status. It received the name of “Zeta” which was translated as “reapers”.

After Vladimir’s death, Byzantium seized the power over Zeta. However, it managed to maintain its independent status. In the fourteenth century, Zeta became an independent feudal country.

Since 1496 Montenegro was governed by the Turks who joined it to Scandinavian province. However, in that time Montenegro increased the level of its independence having obtained absolute independence in 1645.

Later, the reins of power over the country come to hand of bishops and spiritual leaders. At that time, the heads of the state government was a part of Montenegro assembly as well as the assembly of government heads where according to the law head meetings were conducted. At one of the meetings, in 1697, Danil I raised to the rank of a bishop. During the reign of Danil the state sovereignty strengthened and became authorized. The victory over the Turks in 1858 contributed to it too.

The twentieth century was difficult for the country, because it lost its independence having disappeared from the political map. In 1918 it became a part of Serbia having last everything at that point in time.

Upon completion of the Second World War, the country became one of the republics of the Yugoslavia Federation. Having survived disintegration of Yugoslavia, Montenegro maintained its union with Serbia.

In 2006, Montenegro obtained the right to hold a referendum of independence. On May 21, 2006, the referendum results allowed it pretending to return to the independent status.