History

Over the centuries the area made up by modern day Austria has seen numerous peoples come and go. Some of the first peoples in the area where the Celts. Later peoples included Romans, Huns, Lombards, and Turks. The Ottoman Empire (Turks) advanced as far as the gates of Vienna but was turned by on two occasions.

One name always associated with Austria has been the Hapsburg's. This royal dynasty was one of the most powerful families in European history, lasting over 700 years. At the pinnacle of Hapsburg power, this family controlled much of Europe. The control of this much land brought incredible power and wealth to the Hapsburg's. With this wealth the family strongly supported the arts, and for a long period of time, Vienna was the center of art and learning in Europe. Some of the more notable figures associated with this period are Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Straus and Freud.

By the end of the 1800's the Austro-Hungarian Empire was a shell of its former glory. WWI officially ended the empire, and much of its lands became parts of other countries. No longer an empire, Austria went through a difficult transition. In the late 1930's Austria was annexed by the German Reich.

Following WWII Austria rebuilt and became one of the most highly developed countries in Western Europe.

Today the past is still alive in much of Austria. The past influences of many peoples can still be seen in the customs and architecture of Austria.

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