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A quick history of Bucharest - Origins of Bucharest.
Dracula
First mentioned as the "Citadel of Bucuresti" in 1459, it became the residence of the famous Wallachian Prince Vlad III - 'The Impaler', who was the basis for the Legend of Count Dracula.
The Statue of Vlad Tepes stands proudly in the centre of Bucharest, keeping a watchfull eye over proceedings in the city he fought for many years ago, a reminder of Romanias bloody, but ultimately victorious history.
Ottoman Rulers
From the 18th century Ottoman rulers appointed Greek administrators to run the town, leading to a revolt, led by Tudor Vladimirescu in 1821, which ended the rule of the Constantinople-Greeks in Bucharest.
In 1862, after Wallachia and Moldavia were united to form the Principality of Romania, Bucharest became the new nation's capital city. In 1881, it became the political centre of the newly-proclaimed Kingdom of Romania under King Carol I.
Urban Development
During the second half of the 19th century the city's population increased dramatically, and a new period of urban development began. During this period, gas lighting, horse-drawn trams and limited electrification was introduced. The Dambovita river was also massively channelled in 1883..
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World War II
In January of 1941, as capital of an Axis country and a major transit point for Axis troops en route to the Eastern Front, Bucharest suffered heavy damage from both Allied and Axis powers.
Cold War Years
After the establishment of Communism in Romania, the city continued growing. New districts were constructed, most of them dominated by tower blocks. Soviet military involvement was heaviest in Romania, compared to other eastern block countries of the era due to the populations cultural diffrence and non recognition of soviet ideals.
During Nicolae Ceausescu's leadership (1965–1989), much of the historic part of the city was demolished and replaced by "Socialist Realism" style development. The Centrul Civic (the Civic Centre) was created with the massive Palace of the Parliament, where an entire historic quarter was razed to make way for Ceausescu's megalomaniac plans.
Bucharest was also the home of numerous Romanian airbases and missile batteries, part of the Warsaw pact forces of the Communist Era.
Earthquake
On 4 March 1977, an earthquake centered in Vrancea, about 135 km (83.89 mi) away, claimed 1,500 lives and caused further damage to the historic 'old town' of Bucharest
Revolution
The Romanian Revolution of 1989 began with massive anti-Ceausescu protests in Timisoara in December 1989 and continued in Bucharest, leading to the overthrow of the Communist regime.
After 2000 the city was continuously modernized and is still undergoing urban renewal. Residential and commercial developments are underway, particularly in the northern districts, and Bucharest's old historic centre is now benefiting from a Government backed restoration programme.
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