Trebinje is first mentioned in Constantine VI Porphyrogennetos’ records in 10th century as Travunia. During that time, Trebinje was on the caravan road that lead from Kotor and Dubrovnik to Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. The oldest material evidence with ‘Trebinje’ inscription was carved on county ruler Grd’s tombstone from the second part of 12th century, which was found in the part of the city called Police.
First urban outlines of Trebinje were formed in The Middle Ages. Originally, Trebinje was a part of the then Byzantine archontia (province) and after that all the way to 14thcentury it was the center of Travunia, a state that was a part of the kingdom of Nemanjići. Trebinje area was developing under a strong influence of Byzantine empire during the Middle Ages, and in 15th century, after the period of long independence, it fell under the Ottoman reign which lasted for many centuries. After that it was a part of Austro-Hungarian empire until 1918. For almost 200 years in The Middle Ages Trebinje was ruled by Nemanjić dynasty and after that by Tvrtko Kotromanić. From 1337 to 1466 (the fall under Turkish reign) Trebinje was a part of Bosnian banate (territory subdivision) ruled by the Kosača family. Turkish reign lasted from 1446 to 1878.
Each of these epochs and rules left its mark and branded local culture, both spiritually and materially.