History of Latvia: a Brief Survey

The territory known today as Latvia has been inhabited since 9000 BC. In the first half of 2000 BC, the proto-Balts or early Baltic peoples arrived. They were the forefathers of the Latvian people. Discover more >

- 9000 BC-13th Century
- 12th Century-1914
- 1914-1939
- 1939-1980s
- From the 1980s

History of Latvia: a Timeline

9000 BC - Arrival of the first inhabitants on Latvian soil, after the withdrawal of the glaciers..., 1201 - City of Rīga founded...,  November 18, 1918 - Proclamation of independence of Latvia..., April - May, 2004 - Latvia becomes a member of NATO and the European Union... Discover more >

Latvia in the 20th Century

At the beginning of the 20^th century Latvia did not exist yet as an independent State. The territory of present-day Latvia was divided among a number of provinces that belonged to the Russian Empire. Discover more >

History of Occupation of Latvia (1940-1991)

Latvia fell prey to the collaborative realpolitik of Nazi Germany and Communist Soviet Union.  They concluded a Non-Aggression Treaty on 23 August 1939, known as the Hitler-Stalin or, after the signatories, Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. This collaboration of the two totalitarian powers allowed the Soviet Union by application of force and under various political pretexts to invade Latvia on 17 June 1940 and annex the country on 5 August 1940. Discover more >

History of Rīga, the Capital of Latvia

The archeological discoveries in the territory of Rīga testify that a settlement existed there already in the 12th century. A broadening was formed in the place where the Rīdziņa River ran into the Daugava, which is the present region of Albert’s Square; this was called Riga Lake (Source: Rīga municipality portal). Discover more >

Milestones in History of Technologies in Latvia

Beginning of 13 c. - The construction of watermills expands, especially around Riga..., 1588 - A printing-house begins its work in Riga..., 1785 - The first public flight of an air-balloon takes place in Jelgava..., 1861 - A railway from Riga to Daugavpils is opened..., 1877 - A telephone call is demonstrated in Riga..., 1901 - Electric tramlines are opened in Riga..., 1937 - A television broadcast is demonstrated in Riga..., 1960 - In the laboratory of Latvian Academy of Science an electronic calculator is built... Discover more >

Seafaring in Latvia

A favourable geographical position and numerous waterways encouraged the development of shipping in the territory of Latvia.  Discover more >

History Links

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