Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a known history spanning some 7000 turbulent years.
Vinča was a prehistoric settlement on the very banks of the Danube and traces of a prehistoric human material culture (Neolithic plastic art) have been found. Ancient sources mention the oldest known name for Belgrade - Singidunum.
During the 6th century the Slavs, taking advantage of the weaknesses in the border defences of the Byzantine Empire, crossed the Danube in great numbers and settled in this area. The town, built of stone, which emerged above the river, was called the White City (Beli grad).
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Belgrade was mentioned under many names, in different languages: Alba Graeca, Alba Bulgarica, Bello grado, Nandor Alba, Griechisch Weissenburg and Castelbianco. These names are all translations of the Slavic word 'Beograd'
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