Slovak History
Slovakia in the 18th Century.
18th Century
05. 04. 1702
Muran Castle Damaged by Fire
On fifth of April 1702 was Muran Castle damaged by fire to such an extent that only ruins were left and any attempt to rebuild the castle would be extremely difficult. Muran has never been lived in since.
18. 02. 1703
Helena Zrinska
One of the strongest women of the monarchy died. Her first husband was Francis I. Rakoczi, second husband Imre Tokoly, she became famous as a brave defendant of her castle in Mukacheve.
17. 03. 1713
Juraj Janosik Sentenced
Slovak "Robin Hood" was after few days of torture finally sentenced. Juraj Janosik was sentenced to hanging from his ribs by a hook. He died slowly in a tremendous pain.
12. 03. 1721
Nova Posoniensia
First issue of this oldest newspaper in Hungary was published in Bratislava. This weekly paper was written in latin and published and edited by Slovak Matej Bel.
11. 02. 1724
Jakub Bogdan
In Finchley (UK) died Slovak painter Jakub Bogdan. From 1691 he has been working in London, painting for king William III. and Queen Ann.
21. 03. 1724
First Council in Bratislava
On this day in 1724 in Bratislava was founded the first internal council assisting the ruler. It was a link between the King and smaller local districts.
06. 02. 1736
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
One of the top sculptors of the times of Monarchy was born in Germany. For his studies he moved to Vienna, later lived and died in Bratislava, where you can find many his pieces in local galleries.
23. 01. 1738
Wolfgang Kempelen
Wolfgang Kempelen from Bratislava was born. He became famous thanks to his ches-playing machine, but was working on many other projects like bridge in Bratislava, speaking machine, typewriter for blind people, etc.
16. 02. 1740
Jan Kupecky
Slovak portrait painter from Pezinok died in Nurnberg. He had been working for Aleksander Sobieski, Joseph I., Karl VI., russian Peter I., and many other aristocracy.
04. 02. 1759
Pajstun Castle Burnt Down
Castle Pajstun near Bratislava, originally built in 13th century, was struck by lightning and partially burnt down. The destruction was completed later by Napoleon's army.
04. 03. 1768
Dice Games Prohibited
In 1768 Empress Maria Theresa prohibited dice games as a form of gambling. She brought to the Austrio-Hungarian monarchy many innovations.