The Earliest Age: Livonia

11-12th cent. The first settlement in Riga is established

1198 The name of Riga is mentioned in chronicles for the first time

1201 The Councillor of Bremen Bishop Albert Buxhoevden begins building a 5.5 ha fortified town next to the river Rīdzene.

1207 Bishop Albert becomes the vassal of  Germany’s King Philip and divides the land of the Livonians between the Order and the church, but retains 1/3 of the land, including Riga.
The building of defensive walls around Riga is started.

1210 The Cours encircle Riga, burn several villages but fail to occupy Riga.

1211 Construction of the Riga Dome Cathedral and the Monastery begins.
The first school is opened, the Dome School.
Bishop Albert issues a proclamation allowing the minting of coins in Riga.

1212 Bishop Albert signs a treaty on military and trading cooperation with the Prince of Polotsk.

1215 The first great fire of Riga.

1225-1226 Riga acquires the rights of Gotland (Visbiya) city, the city receives its coat of arms and the city council is established.

1229 Riga signs a trade treaty with the Prince of Smolensk

1282 Riga joins the community of Northern German trade cities, the Hanseatic League.

1293 A great fire burns half the city. The City Council issues the first building regulations restricting the construction of wooden structures.

1297-1330 War between the Livonian Order and the city of Riga, as a result of which Riga is obliged to build a new castle for the Order outside the city walls.

1352 The Small Guild of St. John, which unites the craftsman of Riga, is founded

1354 The Great Guild, which unites Riga’s merchants, is founded.

1357 The first pharmacy in Riga, The Big One or The Town Council Pharmacy, is established and starts functioning.

1360 Riga’s Guild of Goldsmiths issues its regulations.

1386 The Brotherhood of Latvian Beer and Wine Carriers is founded.

1412 The City Council restricts “non-Germans” from producing and trading beer and restricts farmers from selling their goods outside the city walls.

1481-1494 Another war between Riga and the Order, as a result of which Riga swears allegiance to the Order Master, Walter von Pletenberg. However, the city retains some independence.

1521 The Reformation begins in Riga.

1524 The first public library is opened.
Clashes begin between supporters of the Reformation and Catholics, and during the so-called “Icon Pogrom” many churches in Riga are demolished.

1535 The Master of the Livonian Order grants Riga freedom of religion.