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May 8, 1154
Tallinn is first marked on a map.
In 1154 an Arab geographer al-Idrisi marked Tallinn on a world map with the name "Kolyvan" (probably derived from the name Kalev) -
May 8, 1219
The Danes conquer northern Estonia
The legend says, that during a battle a flag fell down from the sky. This is now their national flag -
May 8, 1227
The Knights of the Sword conquer Tallinn
They made Toompea their fortress. -
May 8, 1227
Denmark sells it's posessions to the German Teutonic Order
Toompea became the seat of the German gentry. -
May 8, 1285
Tallinn joins the Hanseatic League
Tallinn became a junction of trade for many goods. Because of our geographical position we had a large port here. The city developed along these three lines: fortress, port and market town. -
Sweden takes control over whole Estonia
The Swedish were useful: they laid foundations for our school system, granted local peasants the right to own property and other things. -
The Northern War
Peter the Great wanted to conquer Estonia to "open a window onto Europe". The Russian troops and the plague killed thousands of people. -
A railway line from St.Peterburg to Tallinn
Tallinn grew into a major port and industrial centre. -
Estonia is proclaimed an independent democratic republic.
Tallinn developed into a modern European capital. -
Estonia is officially occupied
And now becomes a part of the Soviet Union. -
Soviet air force bombs Tallinn
The bombings continued in 1942 and 1943. In 1944 the biggest bombing took place leaving 25000 people homeless. -
Estonia re-establishes its independence
There is still a large block of granite on Toompea which recalls the days when people barricated Lossiplats to prevent Soviet tanks gaining access. -
Estonia joins the European Union
Success! -
Tallinn will become European Capital of Culture
And there's lots of cool stuff already going on thanks to this.
