Prehistory & Antiquity There is archaeological evidence that proves the region of Mitrovica has been inhabited since the
Neolithic era. The oldest settlements discovered in the area are the archeological sites of Zhitkoc, Karagaç and Vallaç, near Zvecan (around 5 km north of Mitrovica) and archaeological site of
Fafos which is situated in the suburban area of Mitrovica. The archaeological site of
Fafos is located in the suburban area of Mitrovica, within the industrial zone adjacent to the a
phosphates production factory. This site underwent excavation between 1955 and 1961, covering a total area of approximately 1,200 square meters. The findings confirmed the presence of two separate Neolithic settlements associated with the
Vinča culture, situated about 200 meters apart from each other. The earlier settlement, referred to as Fafos I, consisted of characteristic semi-subterranean huts used for shelter. In contrast, the later settlement, known as Fafos II, featured house-huts arranged in a row. Notably, archaeological research indicated that a significant portion of the huts in both settlements had been destroyed by an extensive fire. Artifacts discovered in these settlements included various everyday objects such as cult items, ritual vases, and anthropomorphic figurines. The Neolithic site of Zhitkoc, situated approximately 3 km north of Zveçan, is positioned on a plateau near the Zhitkoc train station. In 1958, a series of preliminary excavations were conducted near the banks of the Ibër River, revealing the remains of a typical Neolithic settlement that belonged to both the earlier
Starčevo culture and the later
Vinča culture. The adjacent archaeological site of Karagaç is found on a lower terrace along the riverbank and was investigated between 1955 and 1960. The archaeological findings indicated occupation during the middle Neolithic period. The settlement mainly consisted of semi-subterranean, elliptical huts, protected by ditches. Inside these dwellings, a significant amount of pottery associated with the Starcevo culture was uncovered. Furthermore, the settlement persisted into a later phase, with huts constructed from interwoven timber beams coated with earth/mud. Evidence from ceramic fragments and anthropomorphic figurines suggests that this settlement was also inhabited during the earlier stage of the Late Neolithic, specifically the Vinca culture. In addition to Neolithic artifacts, traces of a settlement and cemetery from the
Bronze and
Iron Ages were discovered in the same area, underscoring the continuity of human habitation from prehistoric times.
Middle Ages While there is limited historical evidence regarding the early
Middle Ages when the region was under
Byzantine rule, the period between the 9th and 15th centuries witnessed a series of significant events that made the area a focal point for conflicts involving the
Byzantine Empire, the
Medieval Kingdom of Serbia, the
Bulgarian Empire and
Ottoman Empire, being ruled by each of them in different periods. in the late 19th century Ottoman Empire Under
Ottoman rule Mitrovica was a small city typical to the region. Rapid development came in the 19th century after
lead ore was discovered and mined in the region, providing what has historically been one of Kosovo's largest industries. It became an industrial town, formerly the economic centre of Kosovo because of the nearby
Trepça Mines. It grew in size as a centre of trade and industry with the completion of the railway line to
Skopje in 1873–1878, which linked Mitrovica to the port of
Thessaloniki. Another line later linked the town to
Belgrade and
Western Europe.
World War II During
World War II, it took the Germans one week to conquer the whole of Kosovo. Kosovo was then divided into three occupation zones specifically into the German, Italian and Bulgarian zones. The Germans, however, reserved the right to control the mines in Mitrovica, namely the
Trepça Mines, and the railway line passing through Kosovo. Mitrovica became the head of an Austrian infantry division.
After Kosovo's independence statue in the centre of Mitrovica inaugurated during the
100th anniversary of the independence of Albania. Tensions rose considerably in the city of Mitrovica after
Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008. Some 150 Kosovo Serb police officers refused to take orders from the ethnic Albanian authorities and were suspended. Serb protesters prevented ethnic Albanian court employees from crossing the bridge over the Ibar River. UN police raided and seized the courthouse on 14 March using tear gas against Serbs and leaving some of them wounded. The explosion of a hand-grenade injured several UN and NATO staff on 17 March; UN forces were later withdrawn from the northern part of Mitrovica. The Serbian minority initially formed the
Community Assembly of Kosovo and Metohija in the city, but it has no police force. Serbs refused to accept the jurisdiction of Kosovo courts. Kosovar leaders have expressed concern over the future of the region, stating their commitment to keep Mitrovica part of Kosovo and prevent crime or war there. With the
2013 Brussels Agreement Kosovo Serbs accepted the Pristina-run police force and courts and vote on ballots with republic of Kosovo logos. Elected Serbs swear oaths to Republic of Kosovo. Since 2012 the northern and the southern part of the city, and in particular the
New Bridge over the
Ibar River are patrolled 24/7 by
Italian Carabinieri from
KFOR-
MSU. == Demography ==