History of Ptuj

Ptuj started its first chapter in the ancient times of the New Stone Age. In the Late Iron Age this territory was colonized by the Celts, who co-formed the later Noric kingdom, and have gradually urbanized the area of the settlement.

Roman writer, starting with Tacitus, mention Ptuj on many occasions in connection to important events - from election of Vespasian as emperor in year 69 and to the mentioning of political activities of the last West Roman emperor Romulus's grandfather, deposed in year 467. With these records the historical era of Ptuj began. Around year 103 Ptuj became self-governing unit COLONIA ULPIA TRAIANA POETOVIO, which reached its largest extent in the 2nd and 3rd centuries and was then burned down by the Huns in year 450. With the destruction of Avar state at the end of 8th century Podravje region together with Ptuj became part of the Frankish state.

Between years 977and 1555 the town was in the property of Salzburg archbishops and later under the property of the regional prince. Gradually schools, military, leather industry, wine wholesale trade, railway and road traffic as well as beginnings of a proper tourist activity became familiarized in town