The citys history is marked by numerous great fires. In 1198, the  faction set fire to the city in connection with a battle against the  faction during the civil war. In 1248,  and  burned, and 11 churches were destroyed. In 1413 another fire struck the city, and 14 churches were destroyed. In 1428 the city was plundered by German pirates, and in 1455, Hanseatic League merchants were responsible for burning down Munkeliv Abbey. In 1476,  burned down in a fire started by a drunk trader. In 1582, another fire hit the city centre and . In 1675, 105 buildings burned down in . In 1686 a new great fire hit , destroying 231 city blocks and 218 boathouses. The greatest fire to date happened in 1702 when 90 percent of the city was burned to ashes. In 1751, there was a great fire at . In 1756, a new fire at  burned down 1,500 buildings, and further great fires hit  in 1771 and 1901. In 1916, 300 buildings burned down in the city centre, and in 1955 parts of  burned down.. Which year did the fire burn down more buildings, 1756 or 1916?