1909: Ionesco was born on November 26 (November 13 according to orthodox calendar) in Slatina (Romania). The often mentioned year of birth 1912 was given by Ionesco in Paris since being a newcomer to the theatre scene he wanted to be among the youngest.
1913-1925: Ionesco lives in France with his mother, mostly in Paris.
1916: Ionesco’s father returns to Romania, which has just entered into war. In his youth Ionesco regularly (each Thursday) watches the puppet theatre in "Jardin du Luxembourg".
1917: Ionesco’s father, who at first was believed to have been killed in war, marries again. The father always took Power’s side, no matter what colour. Last but not least for this reason the relationship between Ionesco and his father was permanently tense.
1917-1919: Because of his poor health Ionesco’s mother sends him to La Chapelle Anthenaise together with his sister Marilina (born 1911). In his diaries Ionesco describes this period as the most peaceful and harmonic time of his life.
1925: Return home to Romania. He attends High school (Stantual Sava).
1928: A-level graduation (Abitur) at "lycée de Craiova".
1929: Eugène registers at University of Bucharest (French language and literature).
1930: First publication in magazine "Zodiac" (Article about Ilarie Voronca).
1931: "Elegy on tiny beings" (volume of poems). Ionesco discovers surrealism.