Vindobona
Vindobona was a significant Roman military camp located in what is now Vienna, Austria, historically situated along the Danube River in the region of Pannonia. Originally inhabited by the Celtic Boii tribe, Vindobona was integrated into the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The site became strategically important when a cavalry unit was stationed there during the late first century AD, and over the years, it evolved into a major stronghold, particularly during the Marcomannic Wars of the late second century.
The presence of a civilian settlement, or canabae, nearby evolved into a municipium in the third century, reflecting its growth beyond a purely military function. Throughout the fourth century, Vindobona was further developed, including the establishment of a river fleet station. However, its decline began around 395 AD, leading to the city’s abandonment by the early fourth century. Today, remnants of Vindobona, including military structures and the layout of the original camp, can still be traced in modern Vienna, particularly around Michaelerplatz and the Hohe Markt area. Archaeological efforts continue to reveal more about this historical site, hinting at its past significance and complexity.
Vindobona
(Vienna)
A city on the Danube in Pannonia (now the capital of Austria). In pre-Roman times it lay in the territory of a Celtic people, the Boii. After Roman annexation under Augustus, an auxiliary cavalry unit (ala) was stationed at Vindobona by Domitian (AD 81–96). At the beginning of Trajan's reign (98/100), a legion was moved to the camp, and later in the same reign was successively replaced by two others; meanwhile Pannonia had been subdivided into two, and Vindobona attached to the upper province. It became an important strong point, especially in the Marcomannic Wars of Marcus Aurelius (161–80), when its buildings were apparently destroyed and reconstructed. Aurelius is believed to have died there. A civilian town (canabae) to the southeast of the military settlement became a municipium sometime during the third century.
In the later empire, when Pannonia was divided into four provinces, Vindobona belonged to Pannonia Prima. During the fourth century a river fleet station was transferred to Vindobona (from Carnuntum [Petronell]), but c 395 part of its fortress was burned down, and early in the fourth century most, or all, of the site was abandoned. The medieval township did not develop from the municipium, but grew out of what remained of the earlier camp.
The plan of that camp is still partly recognizable from the configuration of the modern streets, on the plateau of the Hohe Markt. The stronghold was protected by dykes and linked to the military river harbor that lay to its north. The principia (administrative center), praetorium (commander's residence), barracks, military hospital, and bath buildings have been located. The last repairs were made by Valentinian I (364–75). It is hoped to unearth part of the civilian town in the neighborhood of the Aspang railway station.