The culture of Croatia has historically been influenced by Central European, Mediterranean, and Balkan cultures. Croatia's unique culture and identity can be traced back to the historical llyricum. The early Croatian cultural and political identity developed through the integration of the ancient Roman heritage of Dalmatia, the traditions of early Slavic groups who settled in the region during the Migration period, and the emergence of a distinct Croatian polity by the 9th century. The Croatian language is believed to have been formed in the 6th or 7th century, with the written language present in Glagolitic texts from the 11th century.
In terms of Croatian national emancipation, the 19th-century Illyrian movement led by Ljudevit Gaj was a key driver for emergence of Croatian romantic nationalism. In 1842, the Matica ilirska organization (renamed Matica hrvatska in 1872) was established as part of the Zagreb Reading Room. The organization's mission was to promote Croatian national and cultural identity in fields of arts, science spiritual creation, economy, and public life. In 1847-1848 Croatian language replaced Latin as official language in Croatia.
