Serbian history dates back to the early medieval period, with the establishment of the Principality of Serbia in the 9th century. The region became a significant power under the Nemanjić dynasty, which ruled from the 12th to the 14th centuries, expanding its territory and influence. The Battle of Kosovo in 1389 marked a pivotal moment, leading to Ottoman domination over Serbia for several centuries. In the 19th century, Serbia gained autonomy from the Ottoman Empire and eventually became an independent kingdom. The country played a crucial role in the Balkan Wars and World War I, later forming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918, which later became Yugoslavia.