The history of Hungary dates back to the arrival of the Magyars in the late 9th century, who established a principality in the Carpathian Basin. In 1000 AD, Stephen I became the first king, founding the Kingdom of Hungary and promoting Christianity, which helped integrate Hungary into European culture. Throughout the centuries, Hungary faced various challenges, including invasions by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and later becoming part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, Hungary lost significant territory and underwent political changes, eventually becoming a republic in 1989 after the fall of communism.