Omari Gates
The territory that is now known as Austria has a rich and complex history, with many different empires and kingdoms vying for control over the centuries. The Romans arrived in 200 BC, and by 15 BC they dominated the entire area. The most important Roman settlement in what is now Austria was Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia, which became the centre of Roman fortifications along the Danube. However, by the mid-500s, the Bavarians controlled the territory, and in 800, Charlemagne established a territory in the Danube valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March). So, to answer the question 'What was Austria called under the Roman Empire?', we must conclude that it was known as the province of Pannonia, with Carnutum as its capital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What was the region of modern-day Austria called under the Roman Empire? | Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia |
| When did the Romans arrive in this region? | 200 BC |
| When did they dominate the entire area? | By 15 BC |
| What was the most important Roman settlement in Austria? | Carnuntum |
| What was Carnuntum? | Capital of the Roman province of Pannonia in what is now Lower Austria |
| What was it known for? | It became the centre of Roman fortifications along the Danube |
| When did German tribes start extending their territory into Roman territories? | By the later half of the second century AD |
| When did the Bavarians control the territory between the eastern Alps and the Wienerwald region? | Around 500s AD |
| Who established the Ostmark (Eastern March) in the Danube valley? | Charlemagne, the king of Franks and eventually Holy Roman Emperor |
| When was the Ostmark first referred to as "Ostarrichi"? | 996 |
| What is the modern German word for Austria, "Österreich", derived from? | "Ostarrichi" |
| When did the region become part of the Holy Roman Empire? | 962-1806 |
| Who created the title "Emperor of Austria"? | Holy Roman Emperor Francis II |
| When did Francis II become Francis I of Austria? | 1804 |
| When did the Holy Roman Empire end? | 1806 |
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What You'll Learn
Roman settlement of Carnuntum
The Roman settlement of Carnuntum was a significant city in the Roman province of Pannonia Superior, situated on the Danube in what is now Lower Austria. The city first appears in historical records during the reign of Emperor Augustus, when it served as a Roman fort (castrum) in 6 AD. Carnuntum was initially a temporary winter camp, but it gradually developed into a large city with a population of approximately 50,000 inhabitants between the 1st and 4th centuries AD.
Carnuntum played a crucial role as a frontier fortification and a trading post. It was the headquarters of the Pannonian fleet and the garrison of the Legio XV Apollinaris, providing a vital military presence against the Germanic tribes beyond the empire's borders. The city also served as a major trading centre for amber, which was brought from the north and sold in Italy. The main arm of the Amber Road, a crucial trade route, crossed the Danube at Carnuntum.
The Roman settlement of Carnuntum boasts impressive remains, including a Roman city quarter, palace ruins, an amphitheatre, and the Heidentor. Visitors can explore both indoor and open-air museums, as well as reconstructed Roman houses that showcase life during the 4th century AD. One notable reconstruction is the Villa Urbana. The site also includes the ruins of a large amphitheatre, which had a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and was once the fourth largest in the entire Roman Empire.
Carnuntum was a prominent city in the Roman Empire, evidenced by the fact that Emperor Marcus Aurelius resided there for three years (172-175 AD) during the war against the Marcomanni, and even wrote a part of his "Meditations" while living there. Additionally, Septimius Severus, then the governor of Pannonia, was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers in Carnuntum in 193 AD. The city experienced an economic boom during the Severan dynasty (193-235 AD), with the canabae reaching their maximum size.
The Roman province of Pannonia, which included Carnuntum, was part of the broader territory of the Holy Roman Empire until its dissolution in 1806. The Holy Roman Empire encompassed various territories ruled by the Habsburg monarchy, including what would later become known as the Austrian Empire. Thus, while Carnuntum was a significant settlement within the Roman Empire, it existed long before the specific designation of the "Austrian Empire" was established in 1804 by Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, who became Francis I of Austria.
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Roman province of Pannonia
The Roman province of Pannonia was a region of great significance to the Roman Empire, encompassing vast geographical areas and playing a crucial role in the Empire's expansion and consolidation.
Pannonia: A Strategic Territory
Pannonia was a province of the Roman Empire, strategically located and bounded by significant geographical features and neighbouring regions. To the north and east, it was bordered by the mighty Danube River, providing a natural boundary and a vital transportation route. To the west, Pannonia was bordered by Noricum and upper Italy, while to the south, it was bordered by Dalmatia and upper Moesia. This placed Pannonia in a critical position within the Empire, connecting it to other important regions.
In modern times, the region of Pannonia corresponds to several countries in Central and Southeastern Europe. It included parts of western Hungary, western Slovakia, eastern Austria, northern Croatia, northwestern Serbia, northern Slovenia, and northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. This vast territory showcases the extent and reach of the Roman Empire during its expansion phase.
A Diverse Population
The original inhabitants of Pannonia were known as the Pannonii or Pannonians, who were primarily Illyrian tribes. However, over time, the region experienced invasions and settlements by various Celtic tribes, including the Scordisci, Dardani, and Celts. This diverse population dynamic continued, and by the time of the Roman conquest, Pannonia was a melting pot of different cultural influences.
Roman Conquest and Resistance
The Roman conquest of Pannonia began in 35 BCE under Octavian, who later became the emperor Augustus. It was a prolonged process marked by resistance from the local tribes. The Pannonians, along with the Dalmatians and other Illyrian tribes, revolted multiple times, posing a significant threat to Roman authority. However, the Romans eventually subdued these rebellions, and by 14 BCE, they had captured Sirmium, a key town in the Sava River valley, solidifying their control over the region.
Administration and Romanization
After establishing control, the Romans organised Pannonia as a separate province in 9 CE, recognising its strategic importance. It was garrisoned with three legions to maintain order and protect against external threats. The province played a crucial role in the Roman wars with the Marcomanni during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.
To consolidate their rule, the Romans implemented various administrative and cultural changes. Emperor Hadrian, the first governor of Pannonia Inferior, initiated numerous building projects, including fortifications, roads, temples, aqueducts, and theatres. These developments helped to Romanize the inhabitants, although the process of Romanization varied across the province, with some areas, like the west, adopting Roman ways more rapidly than others.
Military Significance and Decline
Pannonia served as a vital military outpost for the Roman Empire, providing large numbers of troops. It often became the headquarters of Roman emperors or their deputies during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. However, the province faced constant pressure from neighbouring barbarian tribes, such as the Quadi and Marcomanni. The great migrations and invasions of the 4th century AD, including the Goths and Huns, further destabilised the region. Eventually, the Romans were forced to withdraw from Pannonia in 395 CE, marking the end of Roman rule in the region.
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Roman fortifications along the Danube
The area that is now Austria was once part of the Holy Roman Empire, which existed from 962 until 1806. In 1804, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II created the title "Emperor of Austria" for himself, becoming Francis I of Austria. This was done to safeguard his dynasty's imperial status as he foresaw either the end of the Holy Roman Empire or the eventual accession of Napoleon as Holy Roman Emperor.
The Roman fortifications along the Danube, known as the Danubian Limes or Danube Limes, formed a critical military frontier or limes for the Romans. This frontier stretched along the River Danube, passing through the present-day nations of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Danube's border was not static, being moved north or south in certain locations according to military conquests, but it served as a relatively permanent defensive structure in many areas.
The Romans constructed numerous watchtowers, legion camps (castra), and forts (castella) along the Danubian Limes to monitor and defend the border. Emperor Trajan played a significant role in fortifying the border by enclosing the camps, initially surrounded by earthen embankments, with stone walls. The frontier also featured a road system, including the Limes Road, which connected various military installations and facilitated communication, supply, and trade.
The Danubian Limes was approximately 1800 km long and included over 130 individual component parts, including legionary fortresses, auxiliary forts, and smaller fortifications. These fortifications were spaced approximately 15-20 km apart along the river bank, strategically positioned to block invaders' access to the province. The province of Moesia Secunda, for example, had fortifications that held until the invasion of the Bulgars in 679.
Several remnants of Roman fortifications along the Danube still exist today. Defensive towers survive in various locations in Austria, such as Bacharnsdorf, Mautern (Favianis), and Traismauer (Augustiana). There are also surviving remnants in Tulln and Zeiselmauer. In the Kürnberg Forest near Linz, there are remains of a Roman-era watchtower. Additionally, archaeological sites and preserved buildings, such as the Roman walls in Regensburg and Carnuntum, provide valuable insights into the Roman presence along the Danube.
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Roman influence in Austria
The territory of present-day Austria was known as the Roman province of Noricum during the Roman Empire. The region was annexed by the empire around 15 BC, marking the start of a 500-year period known as "Austria Romana" in the 19th century. The western and eastern extremities of present-day Austria were within the Roman provinces of Raetia and Pannonia. The Romans built many Austrian cities that survive today, including Vindobona (Vienna), Juvavum (Salzburg), and Brigantium (Bregenz).
During Emperor Claudius's reign (41–54 AD), Noricum was bounded on the east by the Vienna Woods, the current eastern border of Styria, and parts of the Danube, Eisack, and Drava rivers. Under Diocletian (284–305), Noricum was divided along the main Alpine ridge into Noricum ripense (north) and Noricum Mediterraneum (south). The province of Raetia lay across the Ziller in the west, corresponding to the present-day provinces of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Present-day Burgenland in the east was in Pannonia.
The Romans founded many important towns in Austria, including Virunum (north of modern Klagenfurt), Teurnia (near Spittal), and Lauriacum (Enns). The most important Roman settlement in Austria was Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia in today's Lower Austria. Carnuntum became the centre of Roman fortifications along the Danube.
Christianity appeared in Austria in the 2nd century, leading to Church organization that can be traced back to the 4th century. After the Bavarii arrived, Austria became the focus of new missionary efforts from the Frankish west, such as Rupert and Virgil of the Hiberno-Scottish mission.
In the late 1690s, the Habsburg Empire's forces, led by Prince Eugene of Savoy, gained control of all but a small portion of Hungary, ending the Turkish threat to Austria. The end of the Turkish threat led to a surge in arts and culture.
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Austria after the Romans
The Romans arrived in the area that is now Austria in 200 BC, and by 15 BC they dominated the entire area. The most important Roman settlement in Austria was Carnuntum (in today's Lower Austria), which became the centre of Roman fortifications along the Danube. Other Roman settlements include Vindobona (Vienna), Juvavum (Salzburg), Valdidena (Innsbruck), and Brigantium (Bregenz). Christianity appeared in Austria in the 2nd century, prompting Church organisation that can be traced back to the 4th century.
In the 5th century, the Roman Empire was under threat from various groups, including the Visigoths, who arrived in Noricum in 408, and the Huns, who, together with the Goths and Alans, defeated Roman forces at the Battle of Adrianople in 380 AD. The Romans recovered control, but were forced to try new approaches to settling newcomers in large numbers. In the 6th century, the Lombards crossed the Danube into Roman Pannonia, bringing them into conflict with the Gepids. The Avars and their vassal Slavs subsequently began moving into the Pannonian area, and the Carantanians (Alpine Slavs) established the realm of Carantania (later Carinthia), which covered much of eastern and central Austrian territory.
In the second half of the 8th century, Charlemagne, the king of the Franks and eventually Holy Roman Emperor, established a territory in the Danube valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March). In 996, the Ostmark was first referred to as "Ostarrichi", a forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich" (Austria). From 976 to 1246, the Duchy of Austria was one of the extensive feudal possessions of the Babenberg family.
In 1804, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II created the title Emperor of Austria for himself and his successors, becoming Francis I of Austria. This was done to safeguard his dynasty's imperial status as he foresaw either the end of the Holy Roman Empire or the eventual accession of Napoleon as Holy Roman Emperor. In 1805, an Austrian army was defeated by French forces near the city of Ulm, and Francis was forced into negotiations with the French. The French victories encouraged rulers of certain imperial territories to ally themselves with the French and assert their formal independence from the Empire. In 1806, Francis II of Austria dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, and Austria became the Austrian Empire, which remained in existence until 1867. During this period, Austria continued fighting against Napoleon throughout the Napoleonic Wars, except for a period between 1809 and 1813, when it was first allied with Napoleon during the invasion of Russia and later neutral during the first few weeks of the Sixth Coalition War.
After the fall of Napoleon in 1814-15, Austria became once more the leader of the German states. However, after the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Austria was expelled from the German Confederation. In 1867, Austria formed a dual monarchy with Hungary, known as Austria-Hungary, which collapsed after the end of World War I in 1918.
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Frequently asked questions
The most important Roman settlement in what is now Austria was Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia. By the mid-500s, the Bavarians controlled the territory between the eastern Alps and the Wienerwald region.
In 800, Charlemagne, the king of the Franks, established a territory in the Danube valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March). In 996, the Ostmark was first referred to as "Ostarrichi", a clear forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich".
In 1477, the Archduke Maximilian, only son of Emperor Frederick III, married the heiress of Burgundy, thus acquiring most of the Low Countries. His son Philip the Fair married the heiress of Castile and Aragon, thus acquiring Spain and its Italian, African, and New World appendages for the Habsburgs.
The Habsburgs' hereditary territories were soon separated from this enormous empire when, in 1520, Emperor Charles V left them to the rule of his brother, Ferdinand. In 1526, following the Battle of Mohács, Ferdinand expanded his territories, bringing Bohemia and part of Hungary under his rule.
The Austrian Empire, officially known as the Empire of Austria, was a multinational European great power from 1804 to 1867. It was created by proclamation out of the realms of the Habsburgs.
