Situated on the North Sea coast of Scotland, Aberdeen originated as two separate burghs: Old Aberdeen, a cathedral and university settlement on the River Don, and New Aberdeen, a trading and fishing village on the River Dee, which were combined in 1891.

With its origins in the 8th century, Aberdeen is one of Scotland's largest and most important cities. Its name is derived from the Gaeli Obar Dheathain, which means "mouth of the River Dee". The city has long been a commercial center and seaport, known for its fishing, shipbuilding, and textile industries. When oil was discovered on the North Sea, Aberdeen became an important center for the offshore oil industry, as well.

Aberdeen is home to several historical and architectural landmarks. The second-largest granite building in the world is Marischal College, in Aberdeen. Constructed in the 16th century, the building was renovated in the 19th century. Another is St. Machar's Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, and known for its stained glass windows, the cathedral played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. Paying homage to its history and culture, Aberdeen is home to several museums and art galleries, such as the Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Maritime Museum.

Inhabited for more than 8,000 years, Aberdeen was chartered by William the Lion in 1179, and as a financially independent community by Robert the Bruce in 1319.

Aberdeen was under English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence, so Robert the Bruce destroyed Aberdeen Castle in 1308. In 1336, the city was burned by Edward III of England, but rebuilt and fortified to resist future attacks, although its gates were removed in 1770.

The city was plundered by both sides during the 17th-century Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and a fourth of its population died during an outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1647.

Aberdeen was bankrupted by the Post-Napoleonic Depress of 1817, although it recovered largely due to an increased dependence on its shipbuilding and fishing industries.

Although Old Aberdeen has a separate. history and still holds its Ancient Charter, it was combined with Aberdeen in 1891. Besides Old Aberdeen, the city has also absorbed the former burghs of Woodside and Torry, although they retain an identity as neighborhoods.

In more recent history, Aberdeen was attacked by the German Luftwaffe thirty-two times during World War II, destroying or damaging a large portion of the city.

Aberdeen has had an interesting history. Despite the turmoils, it has rebuilt, rebounded, and grown.larger

Traditionally, the city's industry was based on fishing, shipbuilding, paper-making, and textiles, although these industries still exist in Aberdeen, they have been largely supplanted in importance by high-technology developments in electronics, as well as the offshore oil and gas industries. Half of Scotland's top ten businesses, and roughly a third of its top hundred businesses, are based in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen is also a popular destination for tourists and overseas visitors. Historical and cultural attractions are a draw, of course. The city's museums, historical buildings, and architectural landmarks bring people to the city, but it is also has a mix of art galleries, performance spaces, and entertainment venues that attract people from throughout Scotland, the United Kingdom, and beyond. The Aberdeen Art Gallery has been mentioned already, but there is also His Majesty's Theatre, the Lemon Tree, and the Belmont Filmhouse.

The area within and without Aberdeen also includes several scenic parks, beaches, and other greenspaces, including Aberdeen Beach, Duthie Park, Union Terrace Gardens, Cairngorms National Park, and the Royal Deeside.

Architectural wonders in Aberdeen include Marischal College, St. Machar's Cathedral, the Provost Skene's House, the Tolbooth Steeple, Dunnottar Castle, and Crathes Castle.

Summer is the most popular time for tourists in Aberdeen, as in the rest of the country. This is the best time to visit the beaches and parks, or just to wander around the city. This is also the time when Aberdeen's venues are in full swing. Autumn, largely September and October, are quieter and more relaxed, although there is still plenty to do and see. This a particularly good time to visit the city's historical and architectural buildings, while taking advantage of discounted hotel rates. Winters can be cold and dark, yet the city lights up during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Ice skating and shopping are popular activities during the winter months, and hotel rates are at their lowest during this time of the year.

Aberdeen has a lot to offer throughout the year, given its commercial significance and its blend of history, architecture, culture, and entertainment.

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