For anyone who doesn't know what the Danube is

First of all, for anyone who doesn't know what the Danube is...shame on you! haha I decided to do a blog about the Danube River, (Donau in German) because it plays various roles in European history, economy, and environment... and it happens to flow only a few minutes from my house.

The Danube is one of Europe's longest rivers, second only to the Volga. It's origin rests in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in Germany (Deutschland). It begins as the two small rivers known as Brigach and Breg, which later join forces near the German town of Donaueschingen and henceforth taking the name 'Danube'. The Danube flows smoothly eastward for approximately 1771 miles leaving its mark in 4 central and eastern European capitals (Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Belgrade), and covering parts of 10 countries before spilling out into the Black Sea.

Throughout history the Danube basis has been the site of some of the earliest human cultures such as Linear Pottery cultures, Vucedol culture and many more. It was also part of the Roman Empire's Limes Germanicus. It was often used as a border for the Roman Empire.

Although here in Vienna the Danube is not used for drinking water, it still remains a source of drinking water for approximately 10 million people in other countries. Today it remains a vital part of European transportation by connecting the Black Sea with many industrial centers within Western Europe and the Port of Rotterdam.