Vindobona

   A name of Celtic origin and a reminder of the tribes who once inhabited the region, Vindobona was a Roman settlement situated at the heart of today’s Inner City of Vienna. The Romans themselves, attracted by the gold deposits in the region, fortified Vindobona in 100 BCE. It became the headquarters of the 10th Roman legion, while the outlying areas, today’s Third District (Landstrasse) and Tenth District (Favoriten), were the civilian settlement associated with the army and the navy headquarters, respectively. Emperor Marcus Aurelius died in Vindobona in 180 CE.

   By 250 CE, Vindobona had a population of around 20,000; 30 years later, Emperor Probus authorized the cultivation of vineyards in the Danube River region around the city, thus setting the groundwork for one of Austria’s most enduring agricultural occupations. By 395, the first barbarian tribes to challenge Roman rule began to infiltrate the area. Only 10 years later, the imperial forces withdrew from their garrison. In 433, Vindobona was laid waste by the Huns.

   See also Wine.