Early history

The city is one of the oldest known settlements in Kosovo, being first mentioned in written documents during the Middle Ages. The name Mitrovica comes from the 14th century, from Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki,[citation needed] but there are some other legends on the origin of its name.[citation needed] Nearby Mitrovica is the medieval fortress of Zvečan, which played an important role during the Kingdom of Serbia under Nemanjić rule. Under Ottoman rule Mitrovica was a typical small Oriental city. Rapid development came in the 19th century after iron ore was discovered and mined in the region, providing what has historically been one of Kosovo's largest industries