| Great Moravia Empire |
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During the movement of nations the Slavs settled in the area of present day Bratislava. Led by the Frankish merchant Samo, the Empire of King Samo was created – the first known organised community of Slavs. It was preceded by the raids of the nomadic Avars and the need to defend against them. After Samo’s death the empire dissolved into principalities. The subsequent merger of principalities produced the empire of Great Moravia. The Slav realm culminated during the reign of the most distinguished lord, Svätopluk. The start of its gradual demise is linked to the first written mention of Bratislava Castle in the Salzburg chronicles from 907, when a battle took place near the castle between Hungarian and Bavarian troops. The Magyars won this battle and occupied the eastern part of Great Moravia. The Official Website of the City of Bratislava |