Luxembourg’s history – From its ancient origins, evidenced by early human settlements, to its pivotal role in European geopolitics, Luxembourg has evolved through epochs of Roman conquest, medieval feudalism, and modern European integration. Situated at a crossroads of empires, its borders and sovereignty have shifted under the influences of powerful neighbours like France, Spain, and Austria.
Timeline of the history of Luxembourg
Ancient and Early Medieval Periods
- 5140 BCE: Earliest human remains found in present-day Luxembourg.
- 450 BCE: Belgic tribes, the Treveri and Mediomatrici, inhabit the region until the Roman conquest.
- 53 BCE: Romans, under Julius Caesar, conquered and occupied the area.
- 5th Century CE: The Franks occupy Luxembourg, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages.
- Late 7th Century: St. Willibrord establishes the Benedictine abbey of Echternach, an important cultural centre.
Middle Ages
- 963: Siegfried, Count of Ardennes, acquires a small Roman castle, Lucilinburhuc, which becomes the nucleus of Luxembourg.
- 1060: Conrad, a descendant of Siegfried, becomes the first Count of Luxembourg.
- 1354: Emperor Charles IV elevates Luxembourg to a duchy.
- 1437: The male line of the House of Luxembourg dies out, and the duchy is passed to the Burgundians.
Habsburg and French Domination
- 1477: The duchy becomes part of the Habsburg Empire after the marriage of Mary of Burgundy to Maximilian I.
- 1555-56: The Habsburg territories are divided, and Luxembourg comes under Spanish Habsburg control.
- 1659: The Treaty of the Pyrenees resulted in territorial losses for Luxembourg to France.
- 1684: France, under Louis XIV, conquers Luxembourg, but it is returned to Spain in 1697 by the Treaties of Rijswijk.
- 1714: After the War of the Spanish Succession, Luxembourg is transferred to the Austrian Habsburgs.
French Revolution and Napoleonic Era
- 1795: Luxembourg is annexed by revolutionary France and divided into three départements.
- 1815: The Congress of Vienna elevates Luxembourg to a Grand Duchy and places it under the personal union with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
19th Century
- 1830: Luxembourg supports the Belgian Revolution but is divided in 1831, with the French-speaking part becoming a Belgian province.
- 1839: The Treaty of London establishes Luxembourg’s current borders and grants it autonomy within the German Confederation.
- 1867: The Luxembourg Crisis is resolved by the Treaty of London, which confirms its neutrality and independence.
20th Century
- 1914-1918: Luxembourg is occupied by Germany during World War I.
- 1940-1944: Germany occupies Luxembourg again during World War II.
- 1944: Luxembourg is liberated by Allied forces.
- 1945: Luxembourg becomes a founding member of the United Nations.
- 1949: Luxembourg joins NATO.
- 1957: Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Economic Community, later the European Union.
Modern Era
- 1999: Luxembourg adopts the euro as its currency.
- 21st Century: Luxembourg continues to thrive as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, known for its political stability and integration into European institutions.
Luxembourg’s historical trajectory reflects its enduring importance in Europe’s narrative. From its humble beginnings as a Roman fortification to its elevation as a Grand Duchy and European Union member state, Luxembourg has navigated shifting alliances and territorial adjustments with pragmatism and diplomatic finesse. Its commitment to neutrality, established through international treaties, underscores its role as a bridge between nations and a symbol of stability in a region marked by historical conflicts.
