Though human presence in Wiesbaden dates back to Prehistoric times, it was the Romans who established the first permanent settlement around 6 to 15 AD, naming it Aquae Mattiacorum. The thermal springs and military base led to the development of a spa culture, with thermal establishments near today’s Kranzplatz and business activities around Mauritiusplatz.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Franconian tribes likely continued to use the Roman spa facilities. The town, known as Wisibada, was mentioned in 828-829 AD by Einhard, biographer of Charlemagne. In the 13th century, Wiesbaden briefly became an imperial city but was repeatedly destroyed by wars and fires.

In 1806, Wiesbaden became the capital of the Duchy of Nassau and developed into a major spa town. European nobility and celebrities like Goethe, Dostoyevsky, and Otto von Bismarck visited. After its handover to Prussia, Wiesbaden’s growth accelerated, with frequent visits from Kaiser Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II.