Inverness, meaning "mouth of the River Ness," was founded as an ancient settlement during the Middle Ages as a fishing village and home to several monasteries. The medieval period was a tumultuous time and the town had been pillaged and set on fire on several occasions. During the 16th through 19th centuries, the town was reborn as new buildings, churches, and a railway system that brought both tourists and goods to the town. In 2000 Inverness was made a city and boasts an economy centered on distilling, shipbuilding, and engineering. Most recently tourism has provided a huge boost to the region.