This chronologically organized survey of Vienna from its origins to the present does not presuppose any advance knowledge of Central European history. Accenting the cultural, political, and social influences, the authors cover all of the major periods of development: the Roman settlements, the medieval residence of the Babenbergers and the early Habsburgs; the Turkish sieges; the Reformation and Counter Reformation; the culture of the Baroque court; reforms of the Enlightenment; the lifestyle of Viennese Biedermeier; political and cultural transformations in the age of Emperor Francis Joseph; interwar Vienna; the Nazi occupation; post-World War II four-power occupation; and the development of the city from 1955 till today. In all cases the authors show how past historical events and developments still influence the city today. Special attention is given to the development of traditions and attitudes which are peculiar to Vienna and the Viennese.