Vienna was founded initally as a Celtic settlement called Vindomina. It was strategically located, with the Danube river to the east, forest covered hills to the north and west, and a smaller tributary of the Danube to the south. It was later captured by the Romans, and used as a fortified camp against the Tutons. The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, resided there for a time to assist in the military campaign. When the Romans left, the region was fought over by several Slavic tribes, adding a mixture of ethnic groups to the region. Finally, in 976 a.d., Charlimaign captured the city and put it under control of the Babenburg family. The Babenburgs ruled Vienna until 1246 a.d., when the Hapsburgs took controll and ruled the city and its surroundings until the beginning of the 20th century.

The first really significant event in the development of the Ringstrasse was the Revolution of 1848. This was a revolution by students, middle class liberals, and the working class against Emperor Ferdinand and Prince Metternich, who was acting Emperor, due to Ferdinand's poor health. The Imperial Army, along with Metternich, were driven out of the city for several years, and when the army finally returned, a new Emperor was put into power, the 18 year old Franz Josef. Though this revolution was eventually put down, it caused several changes in the Viennese government, liberalizing it and transfering power over Vienna from the Empire to the people. It was in this new, liberal atmosphere that the foundations of the Ringstrasse began to form.