The river that redrew the city
Athena’s tale — a fictional telling inspired by Roman Vienna
“Look at the slope beside you,” Athena whispers. “The shape of the land remembers what the city has forgotten.
“Once, Vindobona stood above a flowing arm of the Danube. Then the ground gave way. Part of the Roman fortress slipped towards the river, and its northern edge had to be fortified anew.
“Near today’s Maria am Gestade, archaeologists found remains thought to belong to a late Roman harbour. A tower may have watched over the waterfront.
“The riverfront has changed, and streets cover its traces. But you carry another way of seeing: your map.”
Look around: Which way does the ground fall? Compare the streets around you with the Roman outline on your map. Also, across the stairs you can see a boat with several people, representing where the harbour tower used to be.
