From Vindobona to the Habsburgs
The history of Vienna begins with the Romans: Around 15 BC, they established the legionary camp Vindobona on the Danube — strategically located on the northern border of the empire. Emperor Marcus Aurelius died here in 180 AD. Remnants of the camp can still be visited today under the Hoher Markt.
Babenbergers and City Foundation
In the 12th century, the Babenbergers made Vienna their residence. In 1156, Austria was elevated to a duchy, and Vienna became the capital. The ransom for Richard the Lionheart (who was captured in Vienna in 1192 on his return from the Crusade) financed the city walls.
The Habsburgs (1282–1918)
In 1282, the Habsburgs took control of Austria — and held it for 636 years, until the end of the monarchy in 1918. Vienna became the capital of an empire that at times stretched from Spain to Hungary, from the Netherlands to Croatia. The most important rulers:
- Rudolf I (1282): Founder of Habsburg rule in Austria.
- Maria Theresa (1740–1780): The "mother of the nation" — reformed the education system, expanded Schönbrunn, and introduced compulsory schooling. Mother of 16 children, including Marie Antoinette.
- Franz Joseph I (1848–1916): 68 years as emperor — the longest reign. Under him, the Ringstrasse was built, and Vienna became the cultural capital of Europe. His personal life was tragic: Sisi's assassination, his son Rudolf's suicide in Mayerling, the assassination of his nephew Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo (triggering World War I).
