Snezana Milikic Nikolić
The oldest name for Belgrade, for which it is known, was Singidum. This region was ruled by the Celts for their territory created a name as a combination of words single – meaning circle and dun – settlement. Accordingly, the oldest written name of our city has been interpreted as a circular village or, more likely, the finding of this form. As far as the 2nd century the Romans conquered the city, it was renamed Lux. Under Roman rule Singidunum had its own government, a status it was similar to the status that they had colonies. Citizens who have inhabited it did not have the right to participate in political life, in contrast to the Roman citizen. On the other hand, were obliged to pay taxes. Under the rule of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, the name becomes Veligradon. Emperor Justinian builds and rebuilds this territory by the Roman period after the devastating barbarian tribes of the Huns, Goths, Visigoths … City reaches hardly expected a quiet period, but not this time, not for long. Avari burning and destroying Veligradon which gives place to the present name of the arrival Slovena (mid-century 7). Belgrade as the name says, the Slavs gave him after a light colored stone with which it was built. Name temporarily stabilized, and we never lost completely. In the meantime, it will appear a second variant, but the people in this region in the period from the 9th to the 11th century and continue their habitat commonly called the Slovenian variant, Belgrade. Short-term, it will be known by the Latin name Alba Graeca. Bulgarians will, during his reign the name change to Alba bulgarica. Under the Hungarians will also follow several variants: Videoton, Nandoralba from the 14th century Nándorfehérvár which also alludes to white. For a while, will carry German names: Weißenburg i-Griechisch Weissenburg and Italian Castel Bianco (white castle). Under the Ottomans it is known as Belgrat and Dar Al Jihad in the sense of House war. Forties of the last century, the Nazis will create its own version: Prinz Eugen Stadt. From local names, also known as Bijograd, as it is called Vuk Karadzic in his vocabulary; Biograd as the Danube and, of course, the most common variant of Belgrade, as he was christened, and ancient Slavs.
