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The Danube Valley's District of
Vindobona
Ceann mor:
Vindobona (modern Vienna) was a Bronze
Age settlement, occupied by the Celtic tribe
of the Tauriscii, from about 600 BC until the
coming of the Romans in 14 BC. From then
until they left in the late fourth century, the
place was a thriving frontier fort. Following
the Roman withdrawal, Vindobona was
occupied by a rapid successon of teutonic
tribes.
 (now Vienna) 
Vindobona grew up on the bank of the Donau (Danube) and eventually evolved into modern-day Vienna. The location was ideal for a Celtic settlement, having an abundance of field, forest, and water. There was also a convenient hill near the southeastern corner of the plain, where the Taurisci (later called the Norici) built their fort around 450 BC. The plain was surrounded by a dense forest which today is called The Vienna Woods. The area was rich in wild game and fish from the river, and the land provided good harvests. The settlement flourished and grew into a major trading center.
In 14 BC, the area was conquered by the Romans. It is they who gave it the name of Vindobona. They built a large fort on the site of the settlement. To them, this was a frontier fort, designed to protect their territory against incursions from the barbarian tribes to the north. The Marcomani and Quadi were frequent sources of trouble. Emperor Marcus Aurulius came to Vindobona to campaign against the Teutons after they destroyed the city in AD 167. He died there of the plague in AD 180. At its peak, the military and civilian population is estimated at 20,000 persons. Although it was a "frontier fort", Vindobona had all the conveniences available to the civilized world of the time. Aqueducts carried fresh water from nearby springs to feed the baths and water the formal gardens. An amphitheater with seating for 6,000 was also built. When the Romans finally withdrew their forces in the latter part of the fourth century, they left the place open to a series of invasions and successions. Slovenes, Avars, Franks, Moravians and Magyars, all had a hand in the destruction and redevelopment of Vindobona.(Map, text and graphics by Flidais and MacMorna Niafer.) Guide to Celtia |
