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Yes because it was originally made to replace the Double Bass as it's much more compact plus the Double Bass is Acoustically compromised like the Viola.

I've done some more research & read that Round Wound Strings were invented around 1660 when all they had was gut strings (those are a Mid 17th Century invention) so that the lower strings could be made thinner & easier to bow on. Flatwound Strings are a late 19th century invention invented by Hamilton around 1874. They were originally made for Bowed stringed instruments to replace the gut strings because they last longer, stay in tune better, & the flat surface increases the contact area w/ the bow hair.