There are several tiny states in Europe today. It is of great interest to scientists how countries managed to preserve their independence in such small territories and the absence of rich natural resources. The history of Luxembourg helps to answer this question.
The oldest history of Luxembourg
In these territories, scientists have discovered traces of ancient people dating back to the Paleolithic era. First of all, these are the decorated bones found in Otringen. Also in the south of the country, permanent settlements were found, or rather, the remains of structures, houses, ceramics. And not only the Paleolithic, but also the Neolithic, the Bronze Age.
From time immemorial, these territories were favorable for living, only their inhabitants changed: the Gauls appeared here in the 6th – 1st centuries. BC; they were replaced by the Romans, who incorporated the lands into their empire; the invasion of the Franks dates back to the 5th century. The era of the Middle Ages begins, which will bring its changes to the political and economic situation in Luxembourg.
Epoch of the middle ages
The most important changes took place in the religious sphere - the end of the 7th century is marked by conversion to Christianity for local residents. From the point of view of politics, everything is unchanged - territories change hands. First, the lands in the kingdom of Austrasia, then the period of the reign of the Holy Roman Empire begins.
The year 963 is an important date in the history of Luxembourg, in short - the year of gaining independence, however, through the exchange of territories of strategic importance. The beginning of the state was laid by Siegfried, the owner of Lisilinburg, and Konrad is called the first count of Luxembourg (since 1060). In 1354 Luxembourg becomes a duchy, but this change practically does not affect anything.
In 1477, the Habsburg dynasty came to power, which to this day retains its influence in the country. Although history is still characterized by constant wars, the neighbors, powerful powers, France and Spain dream of owning the duchy. This situation persists until the 19th century.
In an era of change
In 1842, a customs union treaty was signed, which favors the development of the region. Infrastructure, roads are being restored, the constitution was signed a year earlier. In 1866, Luxembourg finally becomes a sovereign state, which chooses its own path of development, trying to maintain neutrality, maintain peaceful, good relations with neighboring countries.
