Mythological origins

Koper (also known as Capodistria) is the capital of Istria, as we can suggest from its name ( Caput Histriae). City has really long and rich history. Origins of the settelments goes back to the times of Greek colonisation.

A myth about Jason and the argonouts is one of the most remarkable greek myths. Story tells that Jason with his crew was returning from Colhidia, across the Black see and then during the river Donaube (Ister), to river Sava, and finally to river Ljubljanica, till they came to Nauportus (today's Vrhnika, where they took their ship Argo from river and carried it to the Adriatic see. They probably came to the shores somewhere around river's Rižana outfall.

Another tale is telling about fight between godees Athena and Poseidon.
As they fought, Athena lost her shield,
which felth in the see and an island has aroused from it.
This is the Island of Koper.

Was Koper Roman municipio or not?

From Aquilea, which was established in 181 BC Romans were conquering Istria. Till the end of first century BC Istria became part of Roman empire.

Koper under Serrenisima

Lion is a symbol of Serenissima.
Republic of Venice had overpowered region of Istria after wars with Byzantine empire. From 12th century until the fall of Serenissima in 1797 Koper was loyal to it. Koper developed very well under the rule of Venice, and it became so called "Caput Histriae", powerful city at the east side of Adritatic sea.

Austrian period

When Napoleon invaded Serrenissima and Austrian empire Koper became part of Illiriyan provnices. When Napoleon was finally defeated in 1815, Koper and whole Istria were attached to Austian empire.

Koper after first world war

Can you imagine what happend to Koper in the short period of 90 years...
After First world war Koper like the whole Istria became part of Italy. Italian rule hurted Istria quite hard. Fascists forced their ideology, culture and language to citizens of Istria.
After second world war Koper was part of so called STO (free zone of Trieste) until 1954, when it was finally attached to Yugoslavia.