Part 96

Explore the historical lore of Vienna and Warsaw in Civilization V. Learn about their founding, cultural significance, and pivotal moments that shaped these iconic cities.

This section details the historical backgrounds of two significant cities in Civilization V: Vienna and Warsaw.

Vienna

Vienna's history is marked by its cultural and political importance. It was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, renowned for its arts, science, and cuisine. The city served as a formidable fortress, successfully repelling Ottoman armies during the Sieges of Vienna in 1529 and 1683. Following the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Empire in 1804, incorporating numerous suburbs and surrounding towns. During World War I, it became the capital of the First Austrian Republic. Known as "Red Vienna" for its socialist leanings, the city was occupied by Adolf Hitler in 1939, temporarily losing its capital status to Berlin. After World War II, Vienna regained its capital status and became a center for international espionage. In the 1970s, the Vienna International Center was established, hosting organizations like the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Vienna is celebrated for its balls, museums, opera, and culinary contributions, most notably Wiener Schnitzel.

Warsaw

Warsaw, located in central Poland along the Vistula River, has a history dating back approximately 14,000 years. The first fortified settlement, Bródno, was established in the 9th century AD, followed by Jazdów in the 12th century. Prince Boleslaw II of Masovia founded the fishing village of Warszowa in 1300. The city experienced significant growth and change in the 16th and 17th centuries, becoming the capital of the Polish Commonwealth in 1596. Despite civil unrest and economic disparities, Warsaw grew to over 14,000 people. A Swedish invasion in 1655 led to rebuilding and the establishment of Baroque residences. The Great Northern War brought further hardship, with Swedish and Saxon-Russian occupations and heavy economic contributions. By 1750, Warsaw had grown to over 115,000 inhabitants, becoming a capitalistic and enlightened city with museums, libraries, and factories. The Warsaw Uprising in 1794 aimed to overthrow Russian control but was brutally suppressed, with an estimated 20,000 civilians killed. Warsaw remained under Russian control for 120 years, experiencing further revolts. After World War I, it became the capital of independent Poland. The Battle of Warsaw in 1920 saw Polish troops defeat the Red Army, a victory credited with saving Central Europe from Communism. During World War II, Warsaw fell to the Nazis, and its Jewish population was exterminated. The Nazis razed 85% of the city, but it was liberated on January 17, 1945. Rebuilt as "The Phoenix City," its historic center "Old Town" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980. Poland's entry into the European Union in 2004 has led to Warsaw's greatest economic boom.