This area was settled since prehistoric times, and before Romans it was settled by Illyrian tribes Histri and Liburnians. In the 2nd century BC, it falls under Roman authority, where it stayed until the 5th century and the fall of Western Roman Empire. In the beginning of the 7th century Croats came and settled the area permanently. In the 8th century, Istria falls under the Kingdom of the Franks while Kvarner and the islands stay part of Dutchy of Croatia and Kingdom of Croatia in the 10th century. Glagolitism was extremely strong in that area, and it is a strong element of Croatian middle age identity. Until the 19th century, Istria was divided between Republic of Venetia and Habsburg Monarchy. Kvarner was a part of Croatian union with Hungary, then Habsburg Monarchy so it shares their fate. A special interest towards the city of Rijeka was taken by Hungarians who saw it as a Hungarian access to the sea. Napoleon abolished the Republic of Venice and Istria fell under Habsburg Monarchy. Even though the national consciousness was strong, these regions mostly fell under the Italian authority after World War I. In the Istrian town of Labin was the first anti-fascist uprising in the world in 1921. Istria and parts of Kvarner were liberated in World War II and given back to Croatian lands under which they stayed to this day.