The area of ​​today's Zadar has the earliest evidence of human life from the Neolithic. Zadar has its origins in the 9th century. pr. Kr. as a settlement of the Illyrian tribe Liburna called Iader. In 59 BC. Kr. it was renamed Iader when it became a Roman municipality. In 48 BC. Kr. it became a Roman colony. During Roman rule, Zadar acquired the features of a traditional ancient Roman city with a proper road network, a public square (forum) and an elevated capitol with a temple.