Ústí nad Labem is one of the oldest Czech royal cities (it was first mentioned in 1249). It was destroyed in the 15th century after being besieged by the Hussites. It also failed to escape the ravages of the 30 Years War, the Austro-Prussian War and the Napoleonic War. Its development has been associated with coal mining, transport and the chemical industry. Ústí became the biggest river port in Austro-Hungary after the introduction of steamships (1841). The city was hit by one of the heaviest air aids in the Czech lands at the end of the 2nd World War. The establishment of the J. E. Purkyně University was an important milestone for the city (1991).
