Lexi Webster
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a rich history. The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence of Celtic settlement around 400 BC and Roman annexation in the late 1st century BC. Over the centuries, Austria has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, religious reforms, and political transformations. From its early history to its more recent past, Austria has played a significant role in European affairs, both as an imperial power and as a neutral country during the Cold War.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country name | Austria, formally the Republic of Austria |
| Geography | Landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps |
| Area | 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi) |
| Population | Around 9 million |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Bordering countries | Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein |
| History | The area of today's Austria has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period. Around 400 BC, it was inhabited by the Celts and then annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. Christianization began in the 4th and 5th centuries, followed by the arrival of Germanic tribes during the Migration Period. In 976, Otto III established a new Bavarian Eastern March, which became known as Austria under the rule of Leopold, Count of Babenberg. The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' appeared in 996. In the 16th century, Austria was a part of the Habsburg monarchy and was a strongly Roman Catholic country, although many Austrians converted to Lutheranism during the Protestant Reformation. In the 19th century, Austria was a part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, which faced challenges from the emergence of nationalist movements in Europe. After World War I, the Habsburg dynasty fell, and Austria became a republic. In 1938, Austria was annexed to Germany by Austrian-born Adolf Hitler, but it regained its independence as the Second Austrian Republic in 1955. |
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What You'll Learn
- Austria's history dates back to the Paleolithic period, with Celtic peoples settling in the region around 400 BC
- The Romans annexed the region in the 1st century BC, with Roman rule lasting until the 5th century
- The Germanic tribes arrived during the Migration Period, with the Visigoths settling in Noricum in 408
- The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' was in 996, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March
- Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries, until the fall of the Habsburg dynasty after World War One
Austria's history dates back to the Paleolithic period, with Celtic peoples settling in the region around 400 BC
Austria's history is a long and fascinating one, stretching back to the Paleolithic period. The earliest traces of human habitation in the region date back more than 250,000 years and were discovered in the Repolust Cave at Badl, near Peggau in Styria. These early inhabitants left behind stone tools, bone tools, and pottery fragments, offering a glimpse into their way of life. Upper Paleolithic remains are particularly numerous in Lower Austria, with some of the most well-known sites located in the Wachau region. Here, two of the oldest pieces of art in Austria were discovered: the figurative representations of women known as the Venus of Galgenberg and the Venus of Willendorf, estimated to be 32,000 and 26,000 years old, respectively.
As the centuries progressed, Austria continued to be a hub of human settlement and cultural development. During the Neolithic era, the region witnessed the emergence of agrarian cultures, such as the Linear pottery culture, with the first recorded rural settlement from this time found at Brunn am Gebirge in Mödling. The transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to more settled farming practices is evident in the Mesolithic remains discovered in various parts of the country, including rock shelters from Lake Constance and the Alpine Rhine Valley.
Around 400 BC, Austria entered a significant phase in its history with the settlement of Celtic peoples. The Hallstatt culture, named after the rich grave finds in Hallstatt, Austria, flourished from around 1200 BC to 500 BC. This culture is considered one of the first Iron Age societies in Europe, engaging in trade with the Greeks for luxury items such as bronze and pottery vessels. The Hallstatt culture was followed by the La Tène culture, which spread across eastern France, Switzerland, Austria, and neighbouring countries from 450 BC onwards.
The Celtic presence in Austria and their dynamic cultural evolution laid the foundation for subsequent historical developments. By the time the Romans arrived in the late 1st century BC, annexing the lands south of the Danube, they encountered a vibrant and established Celtic kingdom known as Noricum. The Romans left an indelible mark on the region, building cities that still stand today, including Vindobona (Vienna) and Juvavum (Salzburg). The Roman influence also extended to the spread of Christianity, which took root in Austria during the 2nd century and became more established in the 4th century.
In the centuries that followed, Austria continued to be a crossroads of cultures and empires. The Migration Period brought Germanic peoples, such as the Bavarii, who occupied the region in the 6th century until it fell under the rule of the Frankish Empire in the 9th century. The name "Ostarrîchi," the forerunner of the modern name "Österreich," first appeared in 996 AD, marking the territory's evolution and the gradual formation of the Austria we know today.
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The Romans annexed the region in the 1st century BC, with Roman rule lasting until the 5th century
The area of today's Austria has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period. Around 400 BC, it was inhabited by the Celts, and then, in the late 1st century BC, it was annexed by the Romans.
The Romans first arrived in the region in 200 BC and by 15 BC, they dominated the entire area. The most important Roman settlement in Austria was Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia in what is now Lower Austria. Carnuntum became the centre of Roman fortifications along the Danube.
In the latter half of the second century AD, various Germanic tribes began to extend their territory, making incursions into Roman territories. By the mid-500s, the Bavarians controlled the territory between the eastern Alps and the Wienerwald region.
In 408, the Visigoths arrived in Noricum, under Alaric I. As described by Zosimus, Alaric set out from Emona (modern Ljubljana) and arrived at Virunum in Noricum, as had been agreed to by the Roman general Stilicho, following several skirmishes between the two. Alaric was paid a large sum of money by the Roman Senate to maintain peace. From there, he directed his operations against Italy, demanding Noricum among other territories, and finally sacking Rome in 410, though he died on the journey home that year.
In 476, Odoacer became ruler of Italy with the support of barbarian forces, including the Heruli and Rugii, and other peoples from the Danubian region. Remnants of the Roman organisation survived south of the Danube in the form of fortified strongholds, but the barbarians raided frequently, as described in the biography *Severinus of Noricum* by Eugippius. Noricum was eventually abandoned in 488, while Raetia was abandoned by the Romans to the Alamanni. In 493, Theoderic the Great, an Ostrogothic king, killed Odoacer and took control of Italy.
In 976, Otto I re-established the eastern march, establishing a new Bavarian Eastern March, subsequently known as Austria, under Leopold, count of Babenberg. Leopold I, also known as Leopold the Illustrious, ruled Austria from 976 to 994. The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' appeared in 996, in a document of King Otto III written as Ostarrîchi, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March.
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The Germanic tribes arrived during the Migration Period, with the Visigoths settling in Noricum in 408
The area of today's Austria has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Around 400 BC, it was inhabited by the Celts and was later annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. Christianization in the region began in the 4th and 5th centuries, during the late Roman period.
The Visigoths first appeared in the Balkans as a Roman-allied barbarian military group under the command of Alaric I. They migrated into Roman territory, causing significant damage to Rome and its periphery from 408 to 410. In 418, the Visigoths were rewarded with land in Gallia Aquitania by Emperor Honorius, following their attacks on several tribes.
The Visigoths were one of the many Germanic tribes that migrated into Roman territories during the Migration Period, which occurred between 300 and 500 AD. This period saw the movement of tribes such as the Goths (including the Visigoths and Ostrogoths), the Vandals, the Anglo-Saxons, the Lombards, and the Franks. The Migration Period was characterized by the settlement of Germanic and Slavic tribes, who were drawn into the politics of the declining Roman Empire.
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The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' was in 996, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March
The name 'Austria' was first recorded in 996, in a document written by King Otto III, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March. This document, known as the "Ostarrîchi", is significant as it marks the first appearance of the name 'Austria' and provides insight into the early history of the region.
The territory of the Babenberg March, also known as the Bavarian Eastern March, was established by Otto in 976 when he reduced Bavaria and re-established Carinthia to the south. The March was placed under the rule of Leopold, Count of Babenberg, who governed from 976 to 994 and is known as Leopold the Illustrious. The Babenbergs pursued a policy of settling the country, clearing forests, and founding towns and monasteries, gradually expanding their territory eastward along the Danube valley.
The name 'Austria' in King Otto III's document is believed to be derived from the Old High German 'Ostarrîchi', meaning "eastern realm". This name likely evolved from the Medieval Latin 'Marchia orientalis', which translates to "eastern march". The Latinized name 'Austria' appeared in writings from the 12th century during the time of Leopold III. The term 'Ostmark' is of uncertain origin and may be a later translation of 'marchia orientalis'.
The Babenbergs ruled the March from Pöchlarn initially and later moved their seat of power to Melk. By 1002, their territory had expanded eastward to include Vienna. However, this expansion was halted in 1030 by the newly Christianized Hungarians, led by King Stephen, who defeated the Emperor Conrad II at Vienna. This defeat established a 'core' territory for the Babenbergs, which would become the foundation of modern Austria.
The Babenbergs played a significant role in shaping the early history of Austria, with their influence peaking during the reign of Henry's grandson, Leopold VI, in the late 12th century. They laid the groundwork for the country's development, and their legacy can still be seen in the towns, monasteries, and expanded territory they left behind.
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Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries, until the fall of the Habsburg dynasty after World War One
The history of Austria is a long and complex one, with the region facing numerous changes and challenges over the centuries. The area that is now known as Austria has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period, with various civilisations and empires rising and falling over time.
The first instance of the name 'Austria' appeared in 996, in a document of King Otto III, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March. In 1273, Rudolf I of the Habsburg family was elected King of Germany, and in 1282, he acquired the Duchy of Austria for the Habsburgs, establishing the "Austrian hereditary lands". From 1438 to 1806, the Habsburg Archduke of Austria was almost continuously elected as Holy Roman Emperor, with the exception of a few years. The Habsburgs grew their influence through clever marriages, conquests, and diplomacy, and by the 16th century, they ruled over vast territories across Europe and beyond. This period also marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which the Catholic Church, including the Austrian Habsburgs, sought to address through conservative reforms.
The Habsburg monarchy, also known as the Austrian Empire, was a major power in Central Europe for centuries. From 1815 to 1848, under the leadership of Metternich, who served as the Austrian foreign minister, the empire was seen as one of the great powers of the 19th century. Metternich played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Europe, particularly between Prussia, the German states, and Austria within the German Confederation. However, his strong conservative views and opposition to liberalism led to his downfall in 1848 during the Year of Revolutions.
The Austrian Empire continued to face challenges and changes in the following decades, including the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, after which the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 was adopted, joining the Kingdom of Hungary and the Empire of Austria to form Austria-Hungary. This dual monarchy, also known as the Habsburg Monarchy, was a multi-national constitutional monarchy that existed between 1867 and 1918. It was geographically the second-largest country in Europe and one of the major powers on the continent. However, it faced internal disputes and external conflicts, including the Bosnian crisis and its involvement in World War I.
Finally, in 1918, Hungary terminated the union with Austria, marking the end of the Habsburg dynasty and the Austrian Empire as a major power in Central Europe. The fall of the dynasty came about due to various factors, including the rise of nationalism, the challenges of governing a diverse empire, and the human and economic toll of the First World War.
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Frequently asked questions
The name 'Austria' first appeared in a document written by King Otto III in 996, where it was written as 'Ostarrîchi', referring to the territory of the Babenberg March.
The area of modern-day Austria has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age. Around 400 BC, it was settled by Celtic peoples, who established the state of Noricum. The Romans arrived in 200 BC and by 15 BC, they dominated the entire area. In 976, Otto established a new Bavarian Eastern March to the east, which was subsequently known as Austria, under the rule of Leopold, count of Babenberg.
Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries, until the fall of its Habsburg dynasty after World War One. In 1938, Austrian-born Adolf Hitler annexed Austria to Germany. After World War II, Austria became an independent republic again in 1955.
Some significant events in Austria's history include:
- 1278 - The Habsburg Rudolf I of Germany acquires the duchies of Austria and Styria.
- 1815 - Austria emerges from the Congress of Vienna as one of Europe's great powers.
- 1866 - Austria suffers a crushing defeat by Prussian forces in the Austro-Prussian War.
- 1867 - The Austro-Hungarian Compromise establishes the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary.
- 1908 - Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- 1914 - The assassination of the Austrian archduke, Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo leads to Austria's declaration of war against Serbia and the start of World War I.
- 1918 - The first Republic of Austria is established, ending the Habsburg dynasty.
- 1938 - Austria is annexed to Germany by Hitler and renamed the Ostmark (Eastern March).
- 1945 - Soviet troops liberate Vienna and Austria is occupied and partitioned into four occupation zones.
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, with Vienna as its capital and most populous city. Austria is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country has an area of 83,879 square kilometres (32,386 sq mi) and a population of around 9 million people.
