Wiesbaden owes its existence to the hot springs. They were the reason for the creation of a Roman "vicus", which in the 2nd century AD developed into an administrative center for the settlement area of the "Mattiakers" who lived here (Aquae Mattiacorum). Remains of the fort, the extensive thermal baths, public buildings etc. were discovered during excavations. A unique relic is the pagan wall from the 4th century.

The Roman city walk is intended to make the important sites of Roman life in the city comprehensible, even if only a few original remains still exist on site.